In my junior year of high school, I found myself sitting at the front of an economics class, a spot I often chose because I was quite dedicated to my studies. I always avoided the very front row, though, as I was also keen on not being labeled a nerd.
One day, wearing my baggy overalls, a staple of the 1995 fashion scene, I sat down, completely unaware that the sides of my overalls created a small gap. This gap allowed some sneaky class clown behind me to toss small items into it. It started innocently enough with a paper ball that I didn’t even notice. But soon, he graduated to a pencil, prompting giggles from some classmates. When I finally discovered the chaos under my clothes, I turned around, instantly recognizing the culprit by his mischievous grin.
I was furious. I made quite the scene, flinging the items back at him and scolding him for invading my personal space. To my surprise, the teacher defended him and urged me to calm down, a move that only fueled my anger. I demanded to know why this disruption was tolerated. He sighed and told the boy to stop but then echoed a phrase I would hear repeatedly throughout my life: “Don’t take everything so seriously.” In fact, he even wrote it in my senior yearbook, advising me to lighten up.
Throughout my life, I’ve been told I take things too seriously or that I can’t appreciate a joke. I’ve been mocked for appearing too invested in my interests or for using complex vocabulary. For years, I internalized this feedback, feeling as though there was something fundamentally wrong with me. The teacher’s words made me feel like I was a bit of a loser. So, I tried to suppress my seriousness, striving to fit in as the carefree, easygoing type.
But you know what? That’s nonsense. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being serious. I have every right to embrace my personality, analyze situations deeply, and express my true feelings, whether it’s anger or amusement. I’ve realized that I don’t need to fake laughter at jokes that don’t resonate with me. I enjoy humor that’s clever and layered, and I refuse to settle for anything less.
Having a thoughtful daughter has helped me embrace my serious nature. While I strive to balance seriousness with silliness in my parenting, I see traits in her that mirror my own. I refuse to let anyone shame her for being “too serious.” She has the right to think deeply and be herself without conforming to someone else’s expectations.
So, I’m claiming my serious side, defending my daughter’s, and standing up for anyone else who has been told they take life too seriously. If that bothers some people, then they can just move along.
For more insights, check out this other blog post that discusses embracing your true self. If you’re looking for guidance on fertility, Make a Mom offers valuable information on supplements that can help. Additionally, the CDC is an excellent resource for anyone interested in pregnancy and home insemination.
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