I am old enough to know that there are people who live alternative lifestyles. The kinds that are outside the norm. Immoral by some standards. Irrational to the reasonable person. I am also old enough to know not to question preferences and feelings for the sake of preaching my values. I'd rather listen than give advice or opinion because even with all the facts laid in front of me, I know that my view can never be that all-encompassing or impartial. My unconscious biases can get in the way. False consensus effect is real and uncontrollable. And besides, no one has the monopoly of wisdom or truth. I refuse to make assumptions because that will lead to baseless and unnecessary judgments. I can only offer respect to a fellow human and if solicited, an objective account of what is considered just under the present legal regime.
I recognize that people need to experience certain things at certain times in their lives. A baby needs to fall to learn how to stand. Adolescents need to explore to find their identities. A person needs to love to know her boundaries. And just because a person has gone through certain things does not mean she has the right to "prevent" other people from committing the same mistakes, learning the same lessons, and experiencing the same trauma. No one is an expert in this so-called life. We are all given a lifetime (however short it may be) to seek our happiness, to know our truth, and to fulfill our destinies.
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