Sep 12, 2016 3 min read

It’s a funny thing, this writing a newspaper column. As a columnist, you share your opinions on current events, news articles, sports, politics or religion, to name a few. Inevitably, however, you also share little glimpses of yourself with thousands of readers, as well. Within your opinions lie clues as to your personality, your intelligence, your values, your humor. You may also share bits of your family, your home life and your idiosyncrasies with people you most likely will never meet.

It can be quite a vulnerable feeling.

Sometimes, people come up to me to talk about a subject I have discussed in my column. Sometimes, they want to reminisce about their own experiences raising a family or living on a farm. I love that. I love to hear stories about the olden days, alternative ways of doing things, and from women who know the challenges that come from loving a farmer. (There are many of each.)

I also don’t mind challenges to my viewpoints on current events, news, sports, politics or religion. I’ve received letters and emails from citizens concerned about my children’s after-school care, sports careers, work ethic and free-time activities. No worries; I can handle a respectful debate. We may not change one another’s outlook, but we can probably still be friendly.

While we’re clearing the air, though, as much as I would love to help you, I cannot recommend stocks, insurance plans or courses of medical treatment. I cannot foster your pet or your child. I cannot write a story about a conspiracy that you think you may have uncovered, nor an expose on your neighbor. I cannot help you decide whether or not to stay in your home, your job or your marriage.

I do appreciate that you feel like you can trust my opinion enough to ask, however.

What bothers me, I guess, are the interactions where people write to me – or come see me at work – to tell me that they don’t like my physical appearance. If you think I’m ugly, don’t look at me. Think I’m fat? You’re allowed to. Don’t like my column? Don’t read it. It’s OK, I’m not for everyone.

But remember that my appearance has nothing to do with my personality, my intelligence, my values or my sense of humor. My appearance has nothing to do with my love for God, my family, my friends or my home. My quirks are largely a product of the life I’ve lived and have nothing to do with my haircut or my pants size.

If I have been offensive, you can tell me about it. If I’m undereducated on a subject, I’m willing to consider that I’m wrong. But I’m not going to apologize for being too busy to maintain the trendiest haircut or too frugal to buy the flashiest clothes. I’m generally happy with who I am.

So, if how I look bothers you, just move on with your day. After all, you don’t have to say everything you think. Saying what I think is my job.

Laura Zoeller can be reached at zoeller5@verizon.net.