Response

In modern society today we try to live our lives to the fullest. How we come to terms with how we live our lives just depends on how one perceives what life means to them. Family, happiness, people, memories, and places are all examples of major components that make up our day to day lives. What we feel and how we interact with these components affects our lives in drastic ways. If the word hate was to be thrown out into today’s society it would be interpreted in so many ways that differ from good and bad. Hate is an emotion. If we were to feel hate towards any of the things that make us or others feel good about life then we are left with a messy ordeal of opinions of the emotion.

The dictionary definition of hate is an intense or passionate dislike. We can hate anything in the world but, what makes us choose to hate certain things or people? The answer can differ it just depends on the person.  When I was a little girl I hated little boys; for the fear that I would get cooties. The other girls in my class convinced me of it. I hated those boys and I didn’t want to any part of them. I would even run away from them at recess. When I went into the next grade I saw other girls talking and playing with boys and I no longer hated them because they didn’t scare me anymore. Feeling hate for someone or something can eventually fade away. It’s just an opinion that you form as you go about life.

So, what can hate mean to others when we refer to hating something or someone in a casual conversation? I remember talking to a co-worker about our summer vacations from school. She went to Florida and I stayed at home in Ohio working long shifts indoors.

“We had the best time. Florida is amazing” She exclaimed with joy. Her tan was proof of endless time in the sun. “How was your time here in Ohio?”

“I hate Ohio” I sighed as I punched in with my numbers at the time clock. “Nothing ever exciting happens here. I can’t even watch the news without wanting to get new locks for my apartment.”

“Don’t ever say you hate Ohio. Hate is such a strong word.” She snapped back. Her voice changed into a more a serious tone.

I looked at her and replied “No, I don’t hate Ohio I just hate the fact that you were away having fun and I was stuck here working all summer.”

Sometimes what we say when we refer to hating something doesn’t mean that’s exactly how we feel. When I referred to hate with my friend she immediately thought that I hated everything about Ohio. Which wasn’t the case at all. We can miss interpret what others feel about hate when they don’t express their true feelings about the topic.

In the case of parents versus children; feelings of what children feel as hate can come up strong. Cleaning their room is just an annoyance and they would rather be with friends or play video games. They hate cleaning because it keeps them away from doing what they want and they hate their parents for making them do it. It’s common to feel this way about cleaning just as it’s common to feel hate towards anything else.

Hate is an emotion. Just like crying; hate happens when people react to certain things in different ways. It’s an opinion or choice. No matter what the subject is. We move through life with obstacles in front of us. It’s okay to hate what gets thrown at us. Life does go on. No one is going to agree with everyone else. Our emotions are all up to us. I agree with my friend. Hate is a strong word but, it’s a normal emotion. We all do it and it’s always going to be around. It’s just a part of life.