In a world where judgments and unsolicited opinions often permeate conversations about personal choices and lifestyles, the phrase “Keep your legs closed” can be not only offensive but also disrespectful.
It’s important to respond to such comments with grace, confidence, and assertiveness, while also maintaining respect for oneself and others.
This article presents 22 best responses to “Keep your legs closed,” each accompanied by detailed guidelines and examples to help you navigate such situations effectively.
1. “My Body, My Choice”
Use Case: This response is appropriate when someone comments on your personal choices regarding your body or relationships.
Context: Imagine you’re in a discussion about relationships or personal boundaries, and someone makes a judgmental comment about your choices.
Example:
- Friend: “You should really keep your legs closed if you want a stable relationship.”
- You: “My body, my choice. I decide what’s best for me.”
Guidelines: Assert your autonomy and remind others that you have the right to make decisions about your own body and life.
2. “Respect My Privacy”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone makes intrusive comments about your personal life or relationships.
Context: You’re at a family gathering, and a relative starts commenting on your romantic life, assuming they have a say in your choices.
Example:
- Relative: “You should be more discreet and keep your legs closed.”
- You: “I’d appreciate it if you could respect my privacy. My personal life is not up for discussion.”
Guidelines: Set boundaries and request respect for your personal space and decisions.
3. “Let’s Focus on Something More Meaningful”
Use Case: Suitable when someone tries to divert a conversation into judging your personal choices.
Context: You’re having a friendly conversation with acquaintances, and someone brings up your personal life choices in a negative way.
Example:
- Acquaintance: “You should really think twice before you open your legs.”
- You: “Let’s focus on something more meaningful and positive, shall we?”
Guidelines: Redirect the conversation towards more constructive topics and discourage judgmental discussions.
4. “I’m Proud of Who I Am”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone attempts to shame you for your choices.
Context: You’re in a social setting, and someone makes a derogatory comment about your lifestyle.
Example:
- Peer: “You should be ashamed of yourself for not keeping your legs closed.”
- You: “I’m proud of who I am and the choices I make. No shame here.”
Guidelines: Embrace self-confidence and assertiveness in response to judgmental comments.
5. “My Choices, My Consequences”
Use Case: Suitable when someone implies that your choices will lead to negative consequences.
Context: You’re discussing your life decisions with a colleague, and they suggest that your choices will have adverse effects.
Example:
- Colleague: “You’ll regret not keeping your legs closed.”
- You: “I understand that choices come with consequences, but I’m prepared to handle them.”
Guidelines: Acknowledge that choices have consequences, but emphasize your readiness to face them.
6. “I Value My Independence”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone questions your independence based on your personal choices.
Context: You’re in a group discussion about empowerment, and someone implies that your choices make you less independent.
Example:
- Group Member: “Keeping your legs closed would make you more independent.”
- You: “I value my independence, and my choices do not define it.”
Guidelines: Reiterate your commitment to independence and express that your choices are not synonymous with your self-worth.
7. “Let’s Not Judge Each Other”
Use Case: Suitable for situations where someone is engaging in judgmental behavior.
Context: You’re in a social gathering, and a friend starts making judgmental comments about your lifestyle.
Example:
- Friend: “You really should keep your legs closed like the rest of us.”
- You: “Let’s not judge each other. Everyone’s choices are unique.”
Guidelines: Encourage open-mindedness and empathy instead of judgment.
8. “I Make Choices That Make Me Happy”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone questions your choices with a negative tone.
Context: You’re in a conversation with a judgmental acquaintance, and they criticize your lifestyle.
Example:
- Acquaintance: “You’d be happier if you kept your legs closed.”
- You: “I make choices that bring me happiness, and that’s what matters most.”
Guidelines: Prioritize your own happiness and communicate that your choices align with it.
9. “My Body, My Rules”
Use Case: Suitable when someone comments on your personal boundaries regarding your body.
Context: You’re discussing personal boundaries with a friend, and they make intrusive remarks.
Example:
- Friend: “You should be more conservative and keep your legs closed.”
- You: “My body, my rules. I decide my boundaries.”
Guidelines: Reiterate your right to set boundaries for your body and life.
10. “Judgment Isn’t Helpful”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone offers unsolicited judgment about your choices.
Context: You’re seeking advice from a mentor, and they offer judgmental comments instead of constructive guidance.
Example:
- Mentor: “Keeping your legs closed would have been a better choice.”
- You: “I’m here for guidance, not judgment. How can I improve?”
Guidelines: Emphasize the importance of constructive feedback rather than criticism.
11. “Let’s Promote Respect”
Use Case: Suitable when someone’s comments are disrespectful or demeaning.
Context: You’re at a public event, and a stranger makes offensive comments about your lifestyle.
Example:
- Stranger: “People like you should learn to keep their legs closed.”
- You: “Let’s promote respect and kindness instead of judgment.”
Guidelines: Encourage a culture of respect and discourage disrespectful remarks.
12. “I Make Informed Choices”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone assumes your choices are impulsive or uninformed.
Context: You’re in a conversation with a colleague, and they suggest that your choices are hasty.
Example:
- Colleague: “Did you really think before not keeping your legs closed?”
- You: “I make informed choices based on what’s right for me.”
Guidelines: Communicate that your choices are deliberate and well-considered.
13. “My Life, My Journey”
Use Case: Suitable for situations where someone questions your life path.
Context: You’re discussing your personal journey with a relative, and they disapprove of your choices.
Example:
- Relative: “You’re on the wrong path by not keeping your legs closed.”
- You: “My life is a unique journey, and I’m content with my choices.”
Guidelines: Express that your life journey is your own to navigate and embrace.
14. “Empowerment Through Choice”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone tries to diminish your sense of empowerment based on your choices.
Context: You’re attending an empowerment seminar, and someone suggests that your choices undermine your empowerment.
Example:
- Seminar Participant: “Empowerment comes from keeping your legs closed.”
- You: “Empowerment is about choices, and I choose what empowers me.”
Guidelines: Highlight that empowerment comes from making choices aligned with your values.
15. “Support, Not Judgment”
Use Case: Suitable when someone offers judgment instead of support.
Context: You’re confiding in a close friend about a personal matter, and they respond with criticism.
Example:
- Friend: “You’re making a mistake by not keeping your legs closed.”
- You: “I need your support, not judgment, in this moment.”
Guidelines: Communicate your need for support and understanding from friends.
16. “I Embrace Diversity”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone’s comments imply that there’s only one acceptable way to live.
Context: You’re in a group discussion about diversity and inclusion, and someone suggests that your choices don’t align with diversity.
Example:
- Group Member: “Diversity doesn’t include people like you who don’t keep their legs closed.”
- You: “I embrace diversity in all its forms, including diverse life choices.”
Guidelines: Promote the idea that diversity encompasses a wide range of experiences and choices.
17. “Let’s Encourage Empathy”
Use Case: Suitable for situations where someone’s comments lack empathy.
Context: You’re in a conversation about empathy and understanding, and someone makes harsh comments about your choices.
Example:
- Participant: “You should learn empathy by keeping your legs closed.”
- You: “Let’s encourage empathy by being understanding of each other’s paths.”
Guidelines: Advocate for empathy and understanding in interactions with others.
18. “I’m Comfortable With My Choices”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone implies that your choices make you uncomfortable.
Context: You’re discussing your choices with a coworker, and they suggest that you’re not at ease with your decisions.
Example:
- Coworker: “Are you really comfortable not keeping your legs closed?”
- You: “I’m completely comfortable with my choices. They align with who I am.”
Guidelines: Express your comfort and confidence in your life decisions.
19. “Respect My Autonomy”
Use Case: Suitable for situations where someone disregards your autonomy.
Context: You’re in a debate about personal freedom, and someone suggests that your choices limit your autonomy.
Example:
- Debater: “Your choices show a lack of autonomy.”
- You: “Respect my autonomy to choose what’s right for me.”
Guidelines: Assert your right to autonomy in making choices that suit you.
20. “It’s Not Up for Discussion”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone insists on discussing your personal choices against your wishes.
Context: You’re in a conversation, and someone continuously brings up your personal life, even after you’ve expressed discomfort.
Example:
- Persistent Individual: “Why don’t you keep your legs closed?”
- You: “I’ve made my stance clear; it’s not up for discussion.”
Guidelines: Firmly establish that certain topics are off-limits for discussion.
21. “I’m Living Authentically”
Use Case: Suitable when someone implies that your choices are inauthentic.
Context: You’re discussing authenticity with a group, and someone suggests that your choices don’t align with it.
Example:
- Group Member: “Authenticity means keeping your legs closed.”
- You: “I’m living authentically by making choices true to myself.”
Guidelines: Emphasize that authenticity lies in being true to your own values and beliefs.
22. “My Happiness Matters Most”
Use Case: Appropriate when someone questions your happiness based on your choices.
Context: You’re in a discussion about happiness, and someone implies that your choices don’t lead to happiness.
Example:
- Conversation Partner: “Keeping your legs closed would make you happier.”
- You: “My happiness is my priority, and I make choices that bring me joy.”
Guidelines: Prioritize your happiness and convey that your choices reflect this priority.
In conclusion, responding to comments like “Keep your legs closed” with grace and assertiveness is essential. By using these 22 responses, you can assert your autonomy, set boundaries, and promote respectful and empathetic communication in various situations. Remember that your choices are your own, and you have the right to make decisions that align with your values and bring you happiness.