WIBTA if I left a negative review for an optometrist who said my job was “making babies”?

The sterile glow of an optometrist’s office, with its charts and blinking machines, set the stage for a routine visit that veered into awkward territory. A woman, fresh from wrangling animal cruelty cases in her role as a law enforcement officer, shared her career with the doctor. His response a muttered “and make babies” landed like a stray dart, clashing with her professional pride and leaving her stunned by its oddity.

The comment lingered, a mix of confusion and discomfort swirling in her mind. Had she misheard, or was this a subtle jab at her role as a mother. This peculiar exchange, teetering between misunderstanding and microaggression, pulls us into a story of workplace respect, assumptions, and the power of words in fleeting moments.

‘WIBTA if I left a negative review for an optometrist who said my job was “making babies”?’

This eye exam turned into a case study in conversational misfires. The woman, proud of her work tackling animal cruelty, faced a remark that seemed to diminish her career by tying it to motherhood. Whether the optometrist said “babies” or “rabies,” the moment highlights how offhand comments can sting, especially when they brush against sensitive topics like gender roles.

The situation mirrors broader workplace dynamics. A 2023 Pew Research study found 45% of women experience gender-based slights, like having their expertise undervalued. If intentional, the optometrist’s comment could reflect such microaggressions, implying a woman’s “real” job lies in domesticity. If a mishearing, it underscores how context shapes perception, turning a neutral word into a perceived insult.

Dr. Deborah Tannen, a linguistics expert, writes in Talking from 9 to 5, “Misunderstandings often arise from differing conversational styles, not malice.” Her perspective suggests the optometrist’s remark might have been a poorly timed quip or a reference to “rabies” tied to the woman’s job. Regardless, the woman’s discomfort is valid, as tone and delivery can make even innocent words feel loaded.

To move forward, a direct approach could help. The woman might contact the optometrist to clarify the comment, fostering mutual understanding. Open dialogue, as Tannen advises, can defuse tension and prevent assumptions from festering.

See what others had to share with OP:

Reddit’s hive mind weighed in with a mix of skepticism and sympathy. Many users leaned toward a miscommunication, suggesting the optometrist likely said “rabies” given the context of animal-related work. Others validated the woman’s unease, noting that even unintentional remarks can feel dismissive in a professional setting.

The consensus leaned cautious, urging the woman to confirm what was said before leaving a review. Commenters highlighted the stakes—misjudging a single word could unfairly harm a reputation. These candid takes show Reddit’s knack for blending humor and reason, though they remind us that online opinions don’t always capture the full picture.

This tale of an eye exam gone awry leaves us pondering the delicate dance of words and intent. Whether a slip of the tongue or a misplaced quip, it’s a reminder to pause and clarify before assumptions take root. Share your thoughts: how would you handle a comment that felt off in a professional setting?