I hate to self-censor. I’m not talking about being polite. I’m talking about feeling like I can’t say what I feel or think in a setting.
Yes, there are times when you don’t share your thoughts on sex or religion or politics because it isn’t appropriate. This is much closer to lying. It’s the uncomfortable feeling when you can’t give your opinion around Uncle Frank because he’ll make fun of you or yell at you.
I don’t do well being around people where I feel like I constantly need to self-censor. My mouth tends to run ahead of my brain on a regular basis and if I feel like I have to watch every word? I just stop talking.
And I avoid the people who make me feel that way. If I don’t feel like I can have an honest discussion with people who are important in my life, I just have to move on. Obviously, there are some exceptions to this, but in general, I minimize my time with them and spend time with people who don’t make me feel small.
“Self-censorship is the most insidious form of censorship.”
Marty Rubin
For me, that’s the worst part of self-censorship. We start with one thing which is pretty insignificant and it keeps growing. Soon, it seems like it becomes the norm instead of the exception and we lose our voice.
I am bad at self-censoring, in that I sometimes say things I should rather not. It’s not as bad as it was when I was younger, but still occasionally happens. And staying away from people who make you feel small… yes, I do the same. I prefer to be with people where I can be myself.
~ Marie xox
Great post and I am so with you – we need our voices and it is wrong for others to quieten people just because they have a different POV etc
May xx