There can be a lot of pressure to do what our communities and peers expect of us. Some people find absolute bliss by letting go of peer pressure. Imagine the joy in doing less of what is “required” and more of what’s right for you.

A question was posed in a recent r/AskReddit thread: “What’s something you didn’t realize was optional in life until you saw someone simply not doing it?” Comments ranged from common-sense opinions to valuable life lessons. It’s a curious thought about what things we might be engaging in that aren’t actually serving us. Perhaps you will remove a few of these from your behavioral patterns.

Letting go of what’s not required

My opinion is necessary on this

A few quick keystrokes, and our thoughts and opinions are easily shared on a seemingly endless stream of topics. Often with little repercussions, someone might even find themselves telling a professional how to apply their field of expertise properly.

“That you don’t actually have to have an opinion on everything. Watching someone say “I don’t know enough about that to comment” made me realize silence is an option too.”

Here were some clever responses to that way of thinking:

“I find such peace in not forming opinions about a lot of things.”

“it’s cheeky but liberating for me when people ask, ‘what do you think about […]?’ and I reply, ‘I don’t’”

“Social media has been the biggest driver of people thinking they have to have an opinion on everything & it has destroyed the fabric of society.”

“Some things are really, really complicated and I’m not being paid to figure them out”

People at a party. Photo credit: Canva

It’s important to attend the events to which I’m invited

Maybe it seems like a form of rocket science to uncover the best way to excuse ourselves from something. But, perhaps it’s actually simpler to say “no thank you” than come up with an elaborate excuse.

“Saying ‘thank you for the invitation, but I/we won’t be able to make it!’ to a social invite without providing a detailed explanation about WHY you can’t attend.“

These responses sum up the idea nicely:

“Usually the person you’re talking to doesn’t even care that you don’t have a reason. They were just wanting to hear yes or no”

“BECAUSE I DON’T LIKE YOU, KAREN!”

“when I was young my mom taught me that “No.” is a complete sentence.”

“Yes and this also applies to work if you’re using to or vacation.........

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