Certainly! Here’s the story rewritten from the perspective of the diner who gave Ashley Kaidel “the stink-eye.” This perspective adds nuance, showcasing how misunderstandings and preconceived notions can shape interactions.
When I walked into the restaurant that day, I was looking forward to nothing more than a peaceful lunch. It had been a hectic morning. I just wanted to enjoy a few minutes of quiet. I wanted to indulge in some comfort food. The place was bustling with families and couples, the sounds of forks clinking against plates mingling with cheerful chatter.
That’s when I noticed her. A young mother breastfeeding her baby, right there in the middle of the dining area, uncovered. I froze for a moment, my traditional upbringing stirring up discomfort. My mother’s voice echoed in my head: “Some things are private, dear. Not everything is for the world to see.”
I tried to focus on my menu, but my eyes wandered back. It wasn’t the act itself—babies need to eat, of course—but I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. Couldn’t she use a cover? Or step aside for a moment? My thoughts spiraled into judgments, unspoken but evident in my body language.
As I glanced up, I saw her staring right at me. Her gaze was unwavering, piercing, and suddenly, I felt exposed. It wasn’t the look of someone ashamed or uncertain. It was the look of someone who had drawn a line. She dared anyone to cross it. I was taken aback, unsure of how to respond. I did the worst thing possible. I looked away and shook my head. This silent gesture likely confirmed her assumptions about me.
It wasn’t until later, scrolling through my phone, that I saw the post. There she was, that same determined gaze captured in a photo, now accompanied by a powerful message that had gone viral. As I read her words, I felt a wave of emotions—defensiveness, guilt, and eventually, understanding.
She wasn’t just feeding her baby; she was making a statement. She was challenging the deeply ingrained discomfort people like me felt about public breastfeeding. She was standing up for herself and countless other mothers who are unfairly judged for doing something natural and necessary. And she was right—I could have just looked away.
I won’t lie; the post stung. It’s not easy to see yourself reflected as the antagonist in someone else’s story. But as I read her words about the purpose of breasts, about the ease of averting one’s gaze, and about the absurdity of shaming a mother and child for eating, something shifted in me.
That day, I learned a lesson in humility and empathy. Maybe the next time I encounter a mother breastfeeding in public, I’ll remember Ashley Kaidel’s fierce stare—and this time, I’ll meet it with a smile.
