It’s totally normal to find pleasure in seeing another human being doing a shittier job than you are. It’s human nature. Witnessing someone fail miserably at life is a reminder that somehow you are doing an okay job. We all have our insecurities and we all need reassurances. The difference between a good human being and a heartless monster is how you react to that realization.
Do you pat yourself on the back and get on with your life? Good for you.
Do you pat yourself on the back, dissect every aspect of said human’s life and laugh and mock them with your friends and talk about your great achievements while you tilt your head back and take in the awesomeness that is you?
If that’s more like it, then I hate to break it to you, but you’re going to have to go scrape your humanity off the floor where you’ve apparently left it.
Why? Because unfortunately for the rest of us, you are raising a generation of humans that we are going to have to deal with. And we already have plenty of jerks to deal with as it is. The world doesn’t need any more of that trash. Please.
You do not know what is going on with your fellow mommies. The façade you see is merely a reflection of yourself.
Do not eyeball the mama with the toddler throwing a tantrum in the supermarket. You know your child has done something worse. Do not talk about how neglectful a mama is for working hard. Maybe that’s her only solace? Maybe she needs the money?
Maybe that makes her a better mother? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Happy moms raise happy kids. So run along now and find your own happiness without having to use someone else’s misery as your lighter fluid.
If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. We all preach it to our littles. Now truly live it.
Fellow mamas: Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a corporate bad ass, find your happiness, embrace it and spread that happiness everywhere. And if anyone gives you a hard time, I apologize on his or her behalf. I’m sorry you had to go through that. I’m sorry if I’ve ever been caught up in the moment and shared something unkind. I’m sorry if people are using your broken bits as stepping stones to build up their own insecure selves. Try to rise above it and lift your family out of the shithole of judgment.
WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss Mommy Diaries: What Not to Say to a Pregnant Mom.