WHO MADE THE RULES? - by Favour Nwaoru

Whoever coined the phrase “rules are meant to be broken” definitely had me in mind when they penned it down.But in my defense, I’m not a rule-breaker, I just question a lot of unnecessary laws. Because honestly, who exactly makes these rules we keep obeying?Who decided what’s “normal”?And why do we treat their personal preferences like commandments from Sinai? There are things I see, hear, or experience and all I can ask is:“Who in their right senses started this?”“Why did everyone else join?”And most importantly,“Why exactly am I supposed to follow this?” We keep obeying uncomfortable, outdated, illogical rules like zombies… and for what?. In my first year of secondary school, I went to a public school and everyone had to cut their hair low.I actually enjoyed my low cut, but why have we accepted it as a rule?Why can’t a girl keep her natural hair without it being seen as a “distraction”?Distraction to who? And since when did hair start affecting GPAs? Same thing with “acceptable dresses.”Don’t get me wrong, courtesy exists. Moderation exist.But some of these policing rules are just people projecting their discomfort onto others. Everything doesn’t need to be a law.Everything doesn’t need to be a sermon. Who made the rule that reading must only happen during exam week?Who decided pressure equals productivity?Who told you last-minute panic is the only real study strategy?Why is “I’m stressed” treated like a badge of honor in school systems? Somebody somewhere set that standard… and everyone else swallowed it without chewing. It’s December again, and apparently the whole world must be outside. The pressure to party, to “detty,” to attend every event is louder than car horns in Lagos. But who said December is only for parties?What if I don’t enjoy partying?What if peace and quiet is my own detty December?What if my December groove is sleep, books, God, music, and minding my business? Must everything be a trend before it’s valid? Not all rules are wise.Not all norms are normal.Not every trend deserves your participation.Not every expectation deserves your obedience. You are allowed to question things.You are allowed to choose differently.You are allowed to do life in the way that makes sense for your peace, your values, and your sanity. Because honestly… Who makes these rules?And why should they run (or ruin) your life?

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