A while ago, I asked you to share topic ideas for Whiny Wednesday. Quite a few of you were glad to oblige. Thanks for the great ideas. If you’d like to suggest a topic, please leave it in the comments below.
This week’s Whiny Wednesday topic is this:
Other People’s Pity
As always, you’re free to vent on your own topic, too.
Ossie Sharon says
Has anyone in our spot ever experienced true pity? The pure type in which the pitier mourns with us? I have found that most of the pity has been backhanded – in other words, the “what a loser, but it’s not me – yay!” type.
Jo says
My whine for this week is about the royal baby. I’ve not watched the news since Sunday and I’ve long since learned to scroll quickly on Facebook so I managed to avoid a lot of it. I don’t have that many friends and only one shared a couple of posts about it on Monday. I expect there will be more to scroll past as we’ve been promised the first photos today.
However, I received a message from the BBC on Monday afternoon, proclaiming the happy news and giving me lots of links featuring other smiling royal babies and other related articles. I felt ambushed. It’s ruined my week – I felt so angry and upset about it. I’ve been on that mailing list for a long time and don’t remember hearing anything directly from the BBC about the other mini royals who’ve appeared in the last few years. A lot of us Brits are really not that bothered about the royal family so I don’t think the message will have gone down well with other people either, whether CNBC or not. I just hope they don’t send me another one tonight featuring photos of Baby Sussex. Your own inbox should be a safe space.
Jane P (UK) says
Hi Jo – I feel the same, I’ve been avoiding the news and switching TV and radio off and over whenever they start on about it. Its everywhere…….. I’ve not logged onto Facebook for several months and don’t miss it. I may have missed some social stuff but its worth it! I agree too that your inbox should be safe – maybe you can change some of the preferences with the BBC or at least tell them they’ve caused upset (if you feel up to it), not easy because they shouldn’t be sending you stuff.
robin says
I usually find it’s either, “oh? I don’t really get it, but I guess it’s sad?” or else all the pity is usurped for whatever they’re feeling sorry for themself right then; “oh, your dreams died? well, that’s not as bad as that time I SPILLED MY COFFEE!” so frankly, I just don’t tell people, and usually regret the rare times I do. :o/
Jane P (UK) says
Robin – really relate to this – I conclude that they don’t get it and don’t want to try and understand either. I try to remember not to look for empathy from anyone anymore – I’m always disappointed when I do. I visit it here and read posts when I need some understanding.
Thanks everyone as always for sharing.
Jenn says
What bothers me is that people assume just because I’m a woman we must all be baby crazy. When I try to explain why seeing a baby might be tough to some that dealt with infertility and/or loss I get attacked. I know it’s tough to understand if you haven’t been through it, but with people would have more compassion.
Claire says
Just last Sunday, my husband and I were asked by a couple who just had their second child to be its godparents. We stayed for a few hours and talked and catched up with each others lives. I had no idea how they felt about us being childless. Of course again, I was asked when we were going to have children. I forgot what my answer was because I was not prepared but I think it didnt matter. Of course it hurt, but it was not as bad as it used to. The wife was among those women who, I don’t know, maybe just wanted to be polite when she told us we seemed to have a happy life not having children, and she had complained how it was difficult on their part. I had no idea if she was being true or just trying to make us feel okay with the situation. But to me, the whole situation was as awkward as it has ever been like before. But I was glad I did not went on crying when night came. I was glad I was used to getting into that kind of situation time and again that it will always be a part of my life. I feel like I can finally make myself appreciate the beautiful things about being childless, and to accept that the joys of being a mother will remain a dream but there are more beautiful part of it that I can still enjoy.