I don’t know. I’m terrified of death but if I knew I would die tomorrow I would definitely NOT be thinking “I regret not trying more things.” I would do more of the same thing I’ve always loved to get as much known happiness before I die. Some people are just not wired that way. I don’t want anyone to feel pushed into trying new things or like they have to just because it’s what everyone else advocates for. As long as you’re able to tolerate those different from you, no problem. “Be open-minded” is really only required insofar as being tolerant, as realizing people who have different perspectives from you may still be good people. You need not be adventurous and into traveling and learning about different cultures and eating that new trendy food to be a decent human being. I’m happy where I am and not making anyone miserable, and I will defend my right to stay in my bubble so long as I don’t start becoming intolerant and mean.
The fact I’m autistic may factor into my perspective. But I don’t think it changes my point at all. My life, my choices, and while I get you’re probably well-intentioned and just want to improve my quality of life, because of my own personal history with this kind of perspective and being told similar things it feels somewhat pushy. There’s a decent chance it is not pushy in reality and it’s only my perception coloring things, especially since you did mention not trying to force anyone into things. If I want to try something new it will come from me choosing it, not about how I need to get out of my bubble or I specifically need to try it or I need to be more open-minded or most relevantly to this conversation, how I’ll regret not trying more things (implicitly, how I’ll regret being the person I am—someone who prefers to stay in their comfort zone).
I don’t know. I’m terrified of death but if I knew I would die tomorrow I would definitely NOT be thinking “I regret not trying more things.” I would do more of the same thing I’ve always loved to get as much known happiness before I die. Some people are just not wired that way. I don’t want anyone to feel pushed into trying new things or like they have to just because it’s what everyone else advocates for. As long as you’re able to tolerate those different from you, no problem. “Be open-minded” is really only required insofar as being tolerant, as realizing people who have different perspectives from you may still be good people. You need not be adventurous and into traveling and learning about different cultures and eating that new trendy food to be a decent human being. I’m happy where I am and not making anyone miserable, and I will defend my right to stay in my bubble so long as I don’t start becoming intolerant and mean.
The fact I’m autistic may factor into my perspective. But I don’t think it changes my point at all. My life, my choices, and while I get you’re probably well-intentioned and just want to improve my quality of life, because of my own personal history with this kind of perspective and being told similar things it feels somewhat pushy. There’s a decent chance it is not pushy in reality and it’s only my perception coloring things, especially since you did mention not trying to force anyone into things. If I want to try something new it will come from me choosing it, not about how I need to get out of my bubble or I specifically need to try it or I need to be more open-minded or most relevantly to this conversation, how I’ll regret not trying more things (implicitly, how I’ll regret being the person I am—someone who prefers to stay in their comfort zone).