They aren’t an attention seeker. They’re just wanting help, but don’t know how to come up and say it.
He isn’t being overdramatic, because the fabric stretched over his chest causes him so much physical pain, but also brings such euphoria, that he can’t pick between the two.
She isn’t lazy. The thoughts in her head just sap at her motivation, until there’s none left.
They aren’t a druggie. They use it for the chronic pain that racks their body every second of the day.
He isn’t inconsiderate. He just wants to help those he loves, even if it means disrupting some plans that can be easily altered.
She isn’t a Wanna-Be-Barbie Doll. Her make-up is how she expresses herself and makes her feel pretty to herself.
They aren’t a loudmouth. They want their ideas to be heard like everyone else’s.
He doesn’t hate people. He just feels uncomfortable, like he doesn’t fit in.
She isn’t a nerd. She is an intelligent young woman.
They aren’t too talkative. They just need to start a conversation to feel comfortable.
He doesn’t think he’s superior. He just had to grow up too fast.
She isn’t a bitch. She’s just opinionated and doesn’t let others beat her down.
They aren’t a snake. They just don’t have the confidence to go out without having all their scars covered.
He isn’t tired from always being on his phone. He is scared of going to sleep on nights where he can, and not scared on nights where he just can’t.
She doesn’t mean to be mean. It’s just the only example she’s seen from her parents.
They aren’t a pussy. They’ve just been taught to keep quiet and not step a toe out of line or they’ll get hurt.
He isn’t cold and doesn’t mean to be closed off. He just doesn’t want to get hurt or have his trust betrayed again.
None of them mean to flinch when you talk or touch them. We don’t mean to. We’re all just used to being screamed at or hurt. But we don’t hate you. We hate ourselves for not being able to listen or touch someone who aren’t our abusers.
Assumptions can hurt when you don’t know the full story. Double standards can be hurtful. How about the next time you want to make a judgement, look closer and gather all your facts. Because the next time you make an assumption, you could do more harm than good.
And yes, these are based off real assumptions being made about real people. One of them being me. But none of us are looking for pity. We merely want our trauma and the results to be recognized.
Perhaps we are hard to befriend so you know the details, but unless you befriend us, all you will have are the assumptions that hurt, that bite and sting. If you can’t find put the details, just don’t make assumptions out loud. Make them to yourself, sure. We can’t stop that. But don’t share them out. We don’t need anymore insults to add to our minds.
