Candice

There are many definitions of success and success is different for everyone. For one person, going to college, having a job, having a family and being independent is “success”, however, for another person success is simply waking up each morning, taking their medication, eating three meals a day and showering. Everyone is on their own journey and just because someone isn’t “successful” in the stereotypical sense of the word, doesn’t mean they are not living a successful life. Let’s keep this in mind. 

I’m just here to say that it is wrong to assume that all people who wear headphones in public places are just rude and want to avoid interaction. I’m autistic and wear noise canceling headphones everywhere. Literally the only place I don’t wear headphones is at the Waterpark. I wear them at the grocery store, at restaurants, in the car, on the bus/public transportation, at doctor appointments, and I even wear them at the movie theater. Sometimes waitresses and retail staff at stores will speak to me rudely, will stare or will talk loudly just because I’m wearing headphones. There’s no need for this. My nervous system is different from the norm and loud sounds actually HURT. Headphones are essential for my “functioning” and more people need to understand that a lot of autistic and neurodiverse people use headphones to literally function. Stop the judgement and assumptions and rudeness against those who wear headphones in public places.