more things that don't make you better than everyone else

1. "I read actual paper books."
If that were the end of the statement, fine.  That's cool.  I like them, too.  But it's usually followed by, "e-readers are tacky, wrong, the bane of civilization, and vulgar."  Which?  They're not.  Some people only get a chance to "read" audiobooks, some people, especially those with disabilities, read much more ably on e-readers.  Some persons, such as me, read in the dark.  My Kindle iPhone app has been a lifesaver.  I've read dozens of books in the dark without waking my family over the past couple of years.  I have only managed to read about ten paper books in that time.  Read how you want to read.  Your method doesn't make you better.  Though I would argue that a love of learning, which often accompanies reading of some sort, does make one more alive.

2. Buying bargains.
Whoopdedoo.  Glad you saved some cash, but bargain hunting is not the same as frugality, and even frugality can be misplaced sometimes.  Share the joy, but don't think bargains make you a better person.  If personal growth could be bought, would it really be on sale anyway?

3. Having children whose habits are convenient to your lifestyle.
That's great.  Junior and Juniorina sleep/eat/poop on an adult-friendly schedule.  That doesn't mean you are a better parent than the sleep deprived mom in playgroup or the mom of the seven year old who wets the bed every night.  I am always happy that my friends have children that suit their family.  I am grateful my children do stuff that I find adorable.  But let's face it: none of us really did anything to deserve how awesome our children are.  (I'm glad I have lots of friends who think the same way on this.  I'm picking on the silliness that passes for advice online.)

4. Dieting.
For reals, y'all.  Not every fat person is fat for the same reason.  Not every person seeking to be healthier will diet.  (And not every fat person is unhealthy!) In fact, dieting is not a sign of virtue at all.  Perhaps it may signify that one is practicing self-control, but if that were the case, wouldn't the people in advertisements be able to reign in the self righteousness a bit?  Look, I get it. Health is fun.  But getting healthier does not make one better than others.

5. Eating organic.
I buy organic, local, and sustainable food as often as we are able.  But spending the extra dollar to support the cause does not make me (or anyone else) better than others.

6. Going green.
Hey, cloth diaperers.  That's cool what you're doing, and I admire you.  Same to you composters, vinegar and baking soda, cloth only families who darn things rather than tossing them out.  You know I'm in total support.  I do my best to green around here, too.  But making a more sustainable life doesn't give anyone the right to act like a jerk.  (You have to have a lot more money to have the right to act like a jerk.)

All of the New Years resolutions got me thinking about lots of the little ways we posture to try to act better than our fellow humans.  It's a no go, y'all.  In the important ways (how much we are loved, how much we need grace), we're none of us better.