Redditor Tells His Goddaughter That Switching Her Career Goal From Medicine To Gardening Won't Cure Her Anxiety And Faces Massive Backlash

"Becoming a gardener is not a cure for mental illness"

Filip

• Published in Interesting
• December 23, 2023

Sometimes, with the best intentions, people tend to interfere in other people's lives more than is required. Most people value advice, but if it's unwanted, then it's not advice but pressure.

Recently, that did a Reddit user also. Driven by his best intentions, he unwittingly imposed his opinion that no one asked for.

The OP found himself in a perplexing situation involving his goddaughter, Chloe, and her family. His friend, Mike, had asked the OP to be the godfather to his daughter Chloe when she was born.

The OP accepted joyfully, fostering a close bond with Chloe, especially enjoying assisting her with schoolwork and projects, much like he did with his own children. Chloe, a notably academic child, excelled in her studies, and everyone assumed she would pursue a career in medicine, a field she had shown interest in from a young age.

However, some years ago, they moved away and maintained online contact. Recently, during a dinner catch-up, the OP asked about Chloe's plans for medical school.

To his surprise, Chloe revealed a desire to work in horticulture, driven by her love for nature. Her parents attributed this change partly to her anxiety diagnosis, explaining that she sought a career less fraught with life-and-death decisions and one that allowed her solitude and connection with nature.

The OP, taken aback, questioned Chloe's withdrawal from her longtime dream and expressed concern that she might be abandoning a stable and professional future for a seemingly easier path. He even suggested that gardening wouldn't cure mental illness.

This comment was a bit much for everyone, so later, Mike confronted the OP. He expressed disappointment at pushing the topic and affirming their support for Chloe's new ambition.

The OP's wife also criticized him. But the OP couldn't shake off the feeling that Chloe might be abandoning a deeply rooted dream for more immediate comfort.

So, he wondered if his perspective was wrong, as everyone told him.

OP asks:

The OP explained his goddaughter has always wanted to be a doctor:

But during the recent conversation, she told him she had changed her mind and wanted to be a gardener:

Her parents added it's partially due to her anxiety issues:

But the OP didn't believe her choice was wise, so he gave his opinion:

Everyone criticized him for his comments:

So, he wants to know if his POV was wrong:

It's her choice, he shouldn't make her feel embarrassed

She is showing significant maturity and responsibility in her decision

A Redditor confirmed it worked for them

The OP should mind his own business

If it brings her joy, then it's decided

The OP's opinion is meaningless and harmful

A Redditor listed the OP's mistakes:

One Redditor believes the OP doesn't understand the severity of anxiety

Redditors told the OP that he was in the wrong for imposing his unrequested opinions. Even though he had good intentions, his comments were too inappropriate.

She should choose a profession according to her preferences, not someone else's expectations. And it looks like she has already decided what's best for her.

Filip