Societal expectations have stopped many from living how they like or doing the things that actually benefit them. This shouldn’t be the case. As this happens all too often, we have compiled 17 things that should be normalized for everyone to live a happier life.
Aging
Society has a negative view of aging due to the changes it causes to the body. This is why we have so many anti-aging products and unrealistic standards for older adults. However, growing old is a natural process that comes with experience and wisdom and is something that should be embraced wholeheartedly.
Failure
Failure isn’t the end of a dream or a definition of who we are, as many in society like to see it. TAMU’s Valerie Balester and Tyler Laughlin explain that it’s an inevitable part of becoming successful, and all we have to do is learn how to accept, handle, and grow from it.
Not Wanting Children
When anyone decides that they don’t want children, it’s a personal choice that everyone should respect. We need to understand that not everyone is ready or suited for parenting responsibilities, and normalizing this helps us nurture healthier family dynamics.
Divorce
The stigma surrounding divorce, often coming from religious principles, only keeps an individual or the children in a toxic cycle. Yes, getting separated from a spouse can be disappointing and painful. But it isn’t as difficult as staying in a physically or emotionally abusive relationship. No one should feel guilty or ashamed for it.
Asking for Help
We need to start seeing people asking for help as a sign of strength, not weakness. If someone suffering mentally or physically asks for help, it shows courage as it’s hard to face our vulnerabilities. Getting rid of the stigma around asking for help allows us to build strong, supportive networks that everyone benefits from.
Public Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding isn’t just a natural part of taking care of newborns, it’s the healthiest option for both the mother and child and it’s the only method of feeding prescribed for the first six months. So, why should we demonize it when done in public? Thankfully, USA Today reports that it’s now legal in all 50 U.S. states.
Body Hair on Women
The hair on a woman’s arms is just as natural as the hair on her head. Whether a woman chooses to keep it is a personal choice, and no one should be forced to get rid of it due to pressure from restrictive beauty standards.
Men Showing Emotion
To preserve ‘masculinity,’ society tells men not to cry or show any emotions that make them look weak. But this is a standard that needs to go. It’s better for men to let out emotions naturally than bottling them up (harming their mental health), or eventually spilling them in a more harmful, aggressive manner. We need to get rid of this outdated idea that showing emotion makes a man weak.
Going to Therapy
There’s a stigma around seeking help through therapy that’s based on the idea that people who do this are unable to manage their lives. However, as Mayo Clinic explains, this stigma prevents people from seeking the help they need, hurts interpersonal relationships, and ruins professional careers.
Non-Traditional Career Paths
For many people, the only acceptable path to success is getting a college degree and working up the corporate ladder. Unconventional careers like being an artist or hacker are either seen as unreliable or looked at disapprovingly. But many forget that the world’s job market is changing rapidly, and having a career you love brings more fulfillment in life.
Being Single
It’s natural for humans to want companionship all the time. However, it’s also a personal choice if someone wishes to be alone. When we stop placing pressure on people to find partners, fewer friends or loved ones will end up in bad relationships they don’t want to be in.
Talking About Salary
One taboo around money is discussing salaries with some going as far as to keep their earnings a secret from even their spouse. However, these discussions encourage transparency and help us reduce unfair pay differences in the job market. They allow everyone to make better-informed decisions about their careers and financial circumstances.
Financial Struggles
Society expects everyone to be financially stable at 30 or even younger. But, from Forbes, we read that “shame is stifling engagement and impacting financial wellbeing and, consequently, productivity.” Getting rid of negative views on financial struggles allows us to seek the advice or help that we need to manage our mental health and money better.
Cultural Appropriation Awareness
Many people also see claims of appropriation as unnecessary barriers to cultural exchange. However, spreading awareness about the dangers of appropriation encourages respect and understanding of many cultures, and stops the stereotyping and commercial exploitation of certain groups of people.
Gender Nonconformity
Gender identities are personal choices that should be free from scrutiny and constant moral prosecution. We should stop stereotyping others and allow everyone to live as authentically as they want to. This creates an environment where everyone feels happy in their skin and free to express their true self.
Quitting a Job
We forget that our jobs take a huge toll on our mental health, and quitting is some people’s only way to regain control over their lives. Staying in a long-term job can help with stability, but quitting one at the right time could be the best choice to explore opportunities for personal growth.
Eating Alone in Public
We all love to enjoy our food in the company of others and see solitary diners as unusual, especially at expensive restaurants. But we need to understand that many people enjoy the peace and flexibility of eating alone in public. We could even start to consider it a privilege that these people find comfort in their own company, as this is a great trait that many people struggle with.
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