- Redditors discuss the fine line between legitimate boundary-setting and selfishness when it comes to prioritizing mental health and wellness language.
- Some individuals may use therapeutic concepts and wellness language as convenient excuses to avoid taking accountability for their actions in normal disagreements.
- The debate on distinguishing between legitimate boundaries and unfair excuses in the context of self-care continues among Reddit users, highlighting the complexities of communication and relationships.
While prioritizing mental health is a good thing, buzzwords can sometimes give bad behavior an easy alibi. In a thread on r/AskReddit, redditors weigh in on the fine line between true personal wellness — like much-touted “self-care” — and plain old selfishness. Ditching commitments and acting poorly in public spaces are a couple ways commenters spot the difference between legitimate boundary-setting and convenient excuses. Here’s what they say about the darker side of wellness culture pervading culture at large.
Weaponized therapy speak
Therapeutic concepts help people navigate personal struggles and communicate their needs effectively. According to a vocal contingent of redditors, however, individuals sometimes take these specialized terms and apply them to completely normal disagreements to avoid taking accountability for their own actions
The fair-weather friend
Genuine friendship involves mutual effort and the willingness to support each other during difficult times. Yet people may mask their reluctance to be a supportive shoulder to lean on by claiming they are merely conserving their own energy, co-opting wellness language
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Convenience disguised as wellness
Tackling daily chores and following social conventions inherently involves a degree of personal compromise. Attempting to bypass these daily obligations under the pretense of prioritizing personal well-being is a common
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Figuring out the difference between legitimate boundaries and unfair excuses is a complex issue. But sorting out these strains on communication and bonding is necessary for healthy relationships. Taking breaks is essential and checking in with yourself is always positive. But resentment surfacing between two purportedly respectful people indicates that it’s time to engage in further conversation — or simply check out
What examples have you seen of selfishness disguised as self-care? The debate continues in the thread in r/AskReddit, and find more conversations like this in r/CasualConversation, r/TrueOffMyChest, and r/LifeAdvice
This story highlights the perspectives of Reddit users, not Reddit, Inc. Some posts or comments may be lightly edited for clarity. Questions or concerns? Contact us atupvoted@reddit.com
