They say actions speak louder than words,
but sometimes it is the hidden emotion behind those actions that hides the truth.
Disclaimer: All opinions shared in the blog post were anonymously sent in by a number of youth. We request that the opinions are respected as they are quite personal and reflect the deep-inner feelings of many youths.
1.
I am afraid to say I am a Muslim in fear of the automatic stereotype referring to how all Muslims are terrorists. I don’t want to face prejudice or discrimination.
2.
I am afraid to say I love you, in fear of being considered stupid and weak. I don’t want to be taken advantage of again. I don’t want to be a doormat.
3.
I’m more comfortable admitting my sexuality online to strangers than to my friends and family because I fear the judgement I am sure will follow.
4.
I’m afraid of telling people that I want to pursue a career in the arts in fear of being belittled just because I am doing what I love. A popular stigma around the arts is that it is a career route for people who aren’t “smart” or have “bad grades”. I don’t want my passions to be judged or have my intelligence belittled just because I’m doing what I love.
5.
I’m afraid to say out loud is how easily anxious and overwhelmed I get. I stress myself out doing both simple and difficult tasks because I feel like everything I do decides how favorable my future will be. This then leads to taking on a lot of tasks in a short period of time. Even if projects and problems, mine or otherwise, pile up on me, I won’t complain because it’s my way of always seeking approval. This vulnerability means being taken advantage of, and I’m not sure how I’ll handle that.
6.
I’m afraid of apologizing. I find often when I apologize for someone who’s “wronged me”, they continue to do whatever they were doing and I’ve grown to find apologies for me are quite empty and don’t mean anything to anyone. I’ll apologize and just end up being hurt later on and that’s why I don’t like apologizing unless the situation requires it or I trust the person.
7.
I am afraid to stand my ground when it comes to personal arguments in fear of offending someone I love and care about, I always end up just letting go of what hurts me so I don’t hurt others.
8.
I am afraid to say goodbye in fear of closure and new beginnings, I don’t like change. Change scares me and so do goodbyes because with every goodbye comes a feeling of loss that I can not tolerate.
9.
I am afraid to say I’m gay in fear of my parents disowning or hating me. I want to be accepted but within the community I am “apart of” it’s still not widely accepted nor recognized as normal.
10.
I am afraid to say I have cancer in fear of being pitied and not treated like a regular human being. I’m also afraid to express it out loud because it reminds me of the little time I have left.