17/04/2024
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/MfUpzhXULPhRwDt5/?mibextid=WC7FNe
NEVERMIND.
I asked a group of readers who are deaf or hard of hearing what it feels like when someone says NEVERMIND.
Many of the feelings were universal, things those with natural hearing take for granted or don’t realize.
Here is what they shared:
It causes a feeling of isolation.
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I feel like I am not important enough to be included.
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It seems like it takes too much effort for someone to repeat something for me.
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I work tirelessly to fill in the blanks. When I miss something, it is stressful.
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All I want is to fit in.
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Reading lips in exhausting. And I might not be good at it. When I ask you to repeat it, it is because I am either unsure or didn't hear it all.
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Imagine trying to understand a conversation at a concert or in a loud nightclub. That is what a group conversation is like for me.
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It’s incredibly frustrating.
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People treat me like I’m dumb or not important because I didn’t hear the first time.
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Degrading.
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As a teenager, I am never sure if someone is talking bad about me behind my back.
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Frustrating.
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I absolutely hate the word.
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At the moment someone says nevermind, I feel sad.
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I’m trying to participate and interact with others and if someone isn’t willing to repeat what they said, I feel excluded.
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It takes a lot of effort to listen to others but they won’t put in the effort with me I want to give up.
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It makes me want to participate less and less. ~
Makes me feel like I am nothing; like I don’t matter; I’m not important enough.
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I feel alone.
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Belittled.
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Unimportant.
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I get so angry.
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GUTTED!
Next time someone who is deaf or hard of hearing asks you to repeat yourself, remember saying it again without judgment can make a huge difference in someone's life.
Understanding is key.
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*I share this every year during Deaf Awareness Month. It always resonates.
Understanding is Key. Please pass it on ❤️
