you know what...

I am sick of feeling like I have to defend choices I make or things I do. I try to do the right thing and most of the time I feel good about the decisions I make, so why I should I defend it to anyone? Why do I feel like I need to explain why Dan and I are getting married in May- both to Mormons who raise an eyebrow at a long engagement- and Non Mormons who raise an eyebrow at a 'shotgun' wedding. Why when I say that I am going to visit Dan in London do I have to emphasize that parents will be there? Why when someone remarks with surprise, "you are Mormon?!" do I feel the need to defend that I am still 'normal'? Why do I feel judged when I explain to people that Dan will follow me to grad school? I am happy with myself, my beliefs, and the decisions I have made in my life- why should I explain myself to an acquaintance or stranger? I know everyone has the right to think what they want or pass judgment, but I don't understand it, I am generally very accepting.

The other thing that bugs me, actually this probably bothers me most, is that these strangers/acquaintances who pass judgment never say anything to me. But I can see it in their facial expressions, body language, or the way say, oh!?. If they would ask why I am doing something I would be more than happy to explain, but when they make assumptions and don't bother to clarify with me- I get really annoyed. Either talk to me or MYOB.