Unsolicited Opinions

Meg came out today and invited Phil over to visit for a little bit as she hadn't seen him since Christmas.  While everyone was talking, he told us that he supported Bill Belichick dating a 24-year-old. I stopped when he said it and asked if he thought about what he was saying. He went on to talk about money and looks and why people her age would date someone their grandfather’s age. I repeatedly stopped him and asked him to rethink his opinion, but he didn’t, and I ended up extremely mad. I wasn't upset about the age difference or the money, but about normalizing something that’s absolutely disgusting. I also didn't like having my opinion dismissed. I think that’s what bothered me most.

For years, I have had to listen to men talk about women. They judge their looks, comment on the weight, and point out their flaws. Even men that I have respected in my life, put these views out for others to hear like it was gospel. After 56 years, I have absolutely grown tired of it. I do not judge people on their looks and do not believe that others should either. I will never understand why a person would throw away their relationship with their family to date someone that could be their grandchild. Most importantly, however, I hate it when people believe that they can spot off their opinion but tell me that I am wrong for expressing mine.  Everyone has the right to make their own decisions, but no one is free of the consequences of making those decision.

Obviously, there was more going on inside of me than Bill Belichick's love life.  After a long time of being told to just to let other people talk and not take their opinion personally, I have grown tired of it all.  I have never understood why I had to be quiet if someone had a disgusting opinion that I did not agree with.  Why can’t I just say that? Why do they get to drone on about something completely offensive to me and I just have to smile and listen. That is how young women dating a 74-year-old becomes normalized in the first place. Thankfully, Doug has never said anything degrading about women.  I wish everyone would follow his example.  It would make the world a better place.