I Can’t Tell My Friends How Socially Intolerant They Are

It’s an issue

In a lot of ways, I can “talk the talk” and also “walk the walk.” When I sign social campaigns saying I won’t drink and drive, I mean it. When I say I will try my hardest not to judge others, I mean it. When I say I will make that donation, it may not be much but I will make that donation.

But sometimes I talk a lot and end up sitting on my hands.

I would never, ever, in a million years use such rude and intolerant words like “retarded” or “gay” in a derogatory manner. I understand how hurtful they are and the impacts of them. And I also understand that I have to treat people the way I want to be treated. Which I feel is the only right way to treat someone.

But with that comes the responsibility to combat the use of those words around me. When I hear someone else using these words, I’m supposed to tell them not to and give them a really great reason why.

I’ve been having a hard time with that lately.

I used to have no problem calling out others in a calm and effective manner, but that’s when these people were just my classmates or kids I went to camp with.

Now they’re my close friends.

I have these amazing friends, and I love them so much, but I hate the way they speak sometimes.

It sucks

And I just haven’t found the strength to speak up and tell them what’s up

Because I’m worried they’ll get mad or completely disregard me, and in turn I’ll lose some of my validity as being somewhat cool

Being cool is a trait that’s really hard to keep nowadays

And I know the right answer to this

I know I just have to suck it up and tell them

And in the end, who cares what they think so long as I’m doing the right thing

I mean to me, doing the right thing is cool

It’s really cool

And kinda rare

But I still have a hard time sucking it up. Doing the right thing doesn’t always feel amazing at first

I’m going to keep trying, however. As of right now, that’s progress.

-ellie ❤