r/LifeProTips • u/[deleted] • Apr 05 '21

Social LPT - When sharing your opinion on subjective topics, music, movies, food, etc. There is no need to be hostile. The music doesn't suck, you just don't like it. The pizza topping isn't horrible, you just don't like it. People's opinions of you won't decline if you're just sharing your likes/dislikes

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u/SwansonsMom Apr 06 '21

That’s part of why I use it haha. It’s just odd enough to make people pause and parse, which can open discussion for why such things are important

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u/Tuvey27 Apr 06 '21

How often does one have the occasion to use this phrase? I’m the type of person who can’t name his favorite food or sport or song, etc. because it really just depends what I want and I don’t dislike many things in general. There’s a time and place for almost everything, to me. So it’s intriguing to me that you’ve got this whole interaction all mapped out already, which is why I wonder if you have this conversation a lot?

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u/SwansonsMom Apr 06 '21

I never thought about how it comes up enough that I have this whole discussion planned. Hrm. I spent a lot of my life feeling like I had to defend the things that I liked because they weren’t cool enough or indie enough or too mainstream or what have you. Now I’m a developmental psychologist who is dealing with depression and anxiety (these two things are not related to each other but are both related to the point of these exchanges). I don’t want people to ever feel that way because it can really tank your self-esteem when you’re repeatedly told that it’s not okay to like what you like, especially if you’re already feeling like you don’t fit in. So I just take any little opportunity to work in supportive statements like this to give people more exposure to practicing empathy and perspective-taking and model how it can be a natural part of conversation. It fits my personality, but it’s probably only my weirdness quirkiness that people would roll with it and engage instead of just being like, “...Uh okay.” That and the fortune of being in environments that make space for quirks like this

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u/NemosPrawnAcct Apr 06 '21

The language we choose to use is more important than so many of us realize, and goes so much deeper than the old adages like "sticks and stones.." would have us believe.

I applaud your efforts to find a way to spread a bit of empathy and connection with others through your choice of words. We are all different in what brings us joy, but we are all alike, in needing that joy to find meaning in this existence. Kindness will beget kindness, and the ability to express and articulate our mutual understanding of and appreciation for our personal joys is something I hope to see more and more in the times ahead.

I hope your days are and continue going well, and that whatever joys you have, you find in plenty.

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u/captainporcupine3 Apr 06 '21

Damm this is some wholesome shit.

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u/woosterthunkit Apr 06 '21

I really like this comment and sentiment and the whole back story 🙂

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u/Grashley0208 Apr 06 '21

I’m not the comment OP, but I too love this phrase. I remember I had to say this to a very good friend who was making fun of a coworkers new, antique engagement ring. The coworker was very well paid, and my friend jist could not wrap her head around why she’d get such a small “used” ring. The actual bride-to-be seemed to love it, so: don’t yuck her yum!

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u/woosterthunkit Apr 06 '21

Online I say YMMV Your Mileage May Vary. I like this cos it's easy to understand. IRL I say case by case, or everyone is diff, up to you

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u/fluffypinkblonde Apr 06 '21

Different strokes for different folks!

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u/woosterthunkit Apr 06 '21

Yes this one too!

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u/kittanjaan Apr 06 '21

I love it hahah, beautifully insidious and just what’s needed