Wednesday, 26 December 2018

[Acne] I Received Unsolicited Advice the Other Day, and it Feels Awful

Beauty Tips For Body Care
I (19M) have been dealing with acne since I was 14-15. I break out on my neck, back and chest as well as my face, and I'm on my third Dermatologist (here's to hoping).​Anyway, I was flying home from vacation on Christmas Day. I sat next to a young mom, likely late 20s, with her small child. We said our greetings and made the typical "so going home or heading out" exchange. Nothing else was said between us for a long while. Well over an hour into the flight, after I had dozed for a bit, I was reading a book. The woman speaks up (remember, after a long bout of no conversation, and I'm deep in a book) and says, "Can I tell you something without sounding... awkward?"​Sure, I think, go ahead. I probably already know what it's about. I tell her sure.​"I had pretty bad acne when I was younger. Have you heard of hydrocolloid bandages?"​"Yeah," I said, "I actually have some and use them. I also go to the derm-"​"Yeah, well," She interjects, "Hydrocolloid bandages, they really help. I didn't know about them at first. I really wish somebody had told me about them sooner."​I really wish somebody had told me about them sooner.​All I could say was that I appreciated the advice. Even though I already use hydrocolloid bandages. I was left in an anxiety filled stupor. The fact that the advice was unwanted wasn't even the worst part. It was the implication of the statement. That my face (and probably neck) looked bad enough to warrant using bandages, and to my understanding, she was saying that I should maybe use them when I'm in public. Let me tell you, it fucking hurt. I was anxious and my mind racing. I was also angry and upset; I wanted to be malicious and hateful, to tell her that her kid was an obnoxious little thing or that she really couldn't pull off those glasses. Of course I didn't, but it really is a stab in the gut for somebody to say something like that to you. I hate it. I know my face looks bad, it's my overarching source of anxiety and self-loathing. I think about it all the time, and for somebody who I've said hardly said more than "merry christmas" to is giving me unsolicited advice. Thanks, lady, for the mental punch in the gut.​Sorry about the rant. I had to get it out to someone. Type it out. I really just want to say this: don't give unsolicited advice, even if you dealt with acne yourself; everybody's skin is different, so your advice could be ineffective. I know most of you on this sub already practice this, but I really want y'all to understand how hurtful it can be.
Girls Blog 2015
Submitted by LeBurntToast

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