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Article created by: Kotryna Br

Shame can be both productive and toxic, there’s no doubt about it. It may make us lift our rears and get things done, and sometimes we all need that extra push of “I am gonna show ‘em all.’’ But the truth is, people can get real nosy and may want to get into stuff that has little to do with their business.

So when Redditor u/Dodongicepick posed a question “What is a healthy behavior that people shame others for?” on r/AskReddit, it seems like it really hit a soft spot for many. People are now sharing all the eye-opening stuff that often becomes a target of undeserved criticism and it makes you wonder how on earth this has become the norm. Just let them live!

Below are the most interesting responses, so scroll through and be sure to share what you think of it in the comments section!

#1

Young woman practicing healthy behaviors, sitting contemplatively by a bright window in a minimalistic living room. Spending time alone. Seriously, you think me spending a week talking to nobody is the issue? How about the fact that you can't spend 5 minutes alone in fear of accidentally reflecting upon yourself?

Grendel_Grim , Anthony Tran Report

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    #2

    Group of people practicing healthy behaviors in a gym class, stretching and exercising together on mats and floor space. Being a fat person at the gym. They gotta start somewhere.

    alaskalovepup11 , Inspired Horizons Digital Marketing Report

    #3

    Close-up of a person with open hands over a book, illustrating healthy behaviors often shamed by others. Talking to yourself. it's a good way to problem solve or even just vent about something.

    Vanilla_Neko , Fa Barboza Report

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    #4

    Group of people raising glasses in a toast, highlighting healthy behaviors that get shamed by others in social settings. Not drinking every time you go out with friends.

    SoNotJohnny , Andra C Taylor Jr Report

    #5

    Yellow letters spelling NO on black asphalt representing rejection or shaming of completely healthy behaviors by others Refusing unreasonable requests. Just saying "no" in general.

    uninc4life2010 , Jon Tyson Report

    #6

    Three religious symbols on a wall representing diversity and healthy behaviors that people get shamed for by others. Choosing not to be religious at all, lacking the same religious intensity, or believing in a religion that the other person doesn't believe in.

    MountainBlitz , Noah Holm Report

    #7

    Man and child walking on beach at sunset, illustrating healthy behaviors people get shamed for by others. Men taking care of their own kids.

    HappyCajun69 , Derek Thomson Report

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    #8

    Getting up from your desk for 5min and taking a breather, only acceptable if you smoke it seems, not actually for just getting fresh air. I get why so many people smoke cigarettes.

    LonelyMan427 Report

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    #9

    Elderly man practicing healthy behaviors alone in a dimly lit cafe, highlighting shamed but healthy lifestyle choices. Doing things that are normally thought of as social activities by yourself. Like eating at a restaurant, or going to a concert, play, or movie.

    ipakookapi , Bagir Bahana Report

    #10

    A person painting with watercolors, demonstrating healthy behaviors that often get shamed by others. Doing something you enjoy but being bad at it.

    donwileydon , Rifqi Ali Ridho Report

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    #11

    Close-up black and white image of a man wiping tears, illustrating emotional response to healthy behaviors shamed by others. Men crying.

    htownlifer , Tom Pumford Report

    #12

    A man in a blue hoodie covering his face, illustrating the shame felt for completely healthy behaviors by others. Estranging from toxic parents.

    doublestitch , Christian Erfurt Report

    #13

    Person relaxing by the water, reading a book and practicing a healthy behavior that others may shame. Being an introvert.

    MastRiptide , Maria Victoria Portelles Report

    #14

    Person in white shirt using smartphone, illustrating healthy behaviors that often get shamed by others. Not taking business calls after work hours, everyone should take Portugal’s example and pass some sort of law against it.

    Much_Committee_9355 , NordWood Themes Report

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    #15

    Person holding smartphone displaying Facebook login page, illustrating social reactions to healthy behaviors and online shaming. Not having Facebook.

    kcam3114 Report

    #16

    Person walking alone on a forest path surrounded by tall trees, illustrating healthy behaviors despite social shaming. Being single. I had this horrible experience where I wanted to be single for a bit and also just wasn't meeting anyone I was really interested in. I was perfectly fine with not having a boyfriend but my friends hounded me about it constantly. Always asking me why I was single, telling me I was too picky, would show up to hangouts with men and ask me why I didn't go for it. Me saying I was fine with being single was never a good enough answer. So I started to feel self-conscious about being single, felt like I was under a microscope so if I did meet someone I felt uncomfortable having my friends cheering me on. I was young so I didn't know how to handle it so I just kind of dealt with it but it sucked. Let your single friends be single unless they are asking for your help, advice, and opinions.

    SailorSpoon11 Report

    #17

    Close-up of a person's eyes showing emotion, illustrating healthy behaviors that often get shamed by others. Grieving. People tell you to get over it because they're uncomfortable.

    blackdove047 , Luis Galvez Report

    #18

    Coiled white measuring tape on a flat surface symbolizing healthy behaviors and personal wellness routines. I got laughed at by my brother and his wife during Thanksgiving when I said I was starting to diet. Like, I get it. I'm a fat guy. Unfortunately, I can exercise, but that's only half the battle. It actually really hurt my motivation, ngl.

    TheAlmightySpode , Siora Photography Report

    #19

    Hands raised in a classroom setting, illustrating people sharing healthy behaviors that others sometimes shame. Asking questions.

    Seam0re , Artem Maltsev Report

    #20

    Person wearing a white shirt with text and a denim jacket, illustrating healthy behaviors that are often shamed by others. Being wrong. It's healthy to express opinions and ideas. When we shame people for being wrong, we tend to stop new conversations from happening. In this way, we lose opportunities to understand where others are coming from and squander opportunities to change minds. Further, we push all the wrong-headed people into groups where they can go nuts following their wrongness to its logical conclusion. Just stop humiliating people for holding opinions and having bad ideas. And remember everybody does.

    addisonaddisonii , Andrej Lišakov Report

    #21

    Person sleeping peacefully in bed under a blanket, illustrating healthy behaviors others shame them for. Going to bed early.

    Smooth_Arachnid8146 , Lux Graves Report

    #22

    Politely and respectfully expressing negativity. Bottling negative emotions just for the sake of “being positive” really eats you up over time.

    Largicharg Report

    #23

    People using smartphones together, illustrating healthy behaviors that some get shamed for by others. Being slow to respond. I would rather respond correctly than quickly. Same for confidence level. If I am unsure it means I want to double-check. It seems more irresponsible to speak off the cuff. But I think the reality is that the fast talkers are rewarded more, even if they are wrong.

    wyzapped , ROBIN WORRALL Report

    #24

    Man sitting on brown leather couch looking stressed, representing healthy behaviors that get shamed by others. Calling in for a mental health day. There’s no good option. You call out and make yourself look unreliable or you go to work unstable and make yourself look unstable.

    pintotakesthecake , Nik Shuliahin Report

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    #25

    A woman passionately discussing healthy behaviors at a rustic table with others in a casual social setting. Walking away from an argument or tense situation. There’s no way I can have a proper and productive discussion if I’m wound up! I’d rather take a quick walk or have time to myself before I tackle the issue. A clear head is more important than figuring out a conflict quickly.

    Tamaguts , Jessica Da Rosa Report

    #26

    Human sexuality. All through high school my mom was all “stay away from boys! They only want one thing and they’ll say anything to get it! Don’t be one of those foolish girls who gets tricked and knocked up and has her life ruined!” No parties. No dating. No makeup. I wasn’t even allowed to TALK about guys being cute without her side-eyeing me. Then I go to college and halfway through freshman year she’s like “why don’t you have a bf? Get out there! Meet someone! Why aren’t you more social? And PUT SOME MAKEUP ON!” She meant well but…it was very confusing. To this day I’m shy around guys I like because of that woman.

    WestbrookIsaBadIdea Report

    #27

    A couple practicing healthy behaviors by baking cookies together in a cozy kitchen environment. My family doesn't think I should cook or clean and that my wife should do it all as it was in their dysfunctional marriages.

    ConsternationBias , Hannah Busing Report

    #28

    Stack of green disposable face masks lying on a surface, representing healthy behaviors people get shamed for. Wearing a mask.

    cisternino99 , Mika Baumeister Report

    #29

    Woman sitting outside in a chair, wearing denim and holding a large blue stuffed animal, illustrating healthy behaviors. Breastfeeding a baby in public

    sciamachthrowaway , Dave Clubb Report

    #30

    Person relaxing on the beach, illustrating healthy behaviors people get shamed for by others in peaceful setting by the ocean. Taking a healthy amount of time to take care of yourself, rest, or recoup.

    paintbrushvolcanoe , Dan Burton Report

    #31

    Hand holding SPF 50 sunscreen with sun shape drawn in lotion on forearm against clear blue sky, healthy behaviors concept. As a man, using sunblock. I can't even tell you how many times I've been heckled on the golf course for putting sunblock on my face before being out in the sun for the next 4-5 hours.

    mox44ah , Onela Ymeri Report

    #32

    Young man sitting indoors covering his face, reflecting on healthy behaviors that get shamed by others. Talking to a therapist regularly. It’s a purchase of time to help work through complex emotional issues in order to have more bandwidth in other areas. Good for all regardless of mental state.

    Vic_FriesFriesFries , christopher lemercier Report

    #33

    Not getting into fights with your significant other. Had a friend that tried to convince me that it was unhealthy for my wife and I not to get into fights. I tried to explain that when we disagreed with each other about something we talked it through and trusted each other enough to listen and be receptive to the other person. She just rolled her eyes and said that it would happen eventually because to her what we were doing was just bottling things up. I couldn't convince her that the reason she got into fights was that she and her husband bottled things up until they exploded and that's why she got into fights.

    The_Regicidal_Maniac Report

    #34

    Person sitting alone on a rock overlooking a cityscape at sunset, reflecting on healthy behaviors often shamed by others. Minding your business. Some perceive it as you not liking them.

    sjuled , Christopher Sardegna Report

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    #35

    Close-up of a Samsung smartphone on a surface, illustrating healthy behaviors related to technology use and self-care. Turning off your phone sometimes.

    LucyVialli , Misael Moreno Report

    #36

    Hand holding a golden safety razor against a pink background, illustrating healthy behaviors often shamed by others. Not shaving pubic hair. What most people don’t know is that pubic hair can protect you by keeping harmful bacteria out of ya genitalia.

    CityVirtual4704 , Helen Barth Report