I don't believe in fairy tales because I think that's for kids, though I was one (and am still one). *lol* However, there are some tales I reckon are really enlightening, suitable for kids and also for adults.
I read this story when I was a little child. Here you go...
Long long time ago, there's a man who traveled around with his son, who's around ten years old. One day, they walked passed a small village. Some villagers saw the father riding on a camel while his son was walking beside him. These villagers started pointing and criticising the father for being so selfish and not caring to his son. "How could he let his poor son walk while he's sitting comfortably on the camel hump?" The critisicm became vociferous. The father felt extremely bad and he jumped down from his camel and asked his son to ride on it instead.
They continued the journey. This time they arrived at another small town. When both the fater and son thought they wouldn't hear any negative comment, they were wrong! Some people saw the father walking beside the son who's now riding on the camel. They began whispered to each other and then staring at them as if they were some evil demons. "Oh my gosh, how could the son be so unfilial? He's making his poor old father walk while he himself is enjoying the luxurious comfort ride."
This comment shocked both father and son. They got really upset and were discussing what they should do to avoid criticism. So this time, they came up with a brilliant solution.
While passing by a river, an old man was resting under a tree. He burst into laughter suddenly. Both the father and son stopped and asked the old man why he was laughing at them. "I saw two fools walking exhaustedly. Either of you could have just riden on the camel. That's what the camel is for."
The father and son were looking at each other helplessly. What should they do? They'd tried three ways and each received criticism.
Eh, what do you think they should do best? Nothing, just do what they like. It is their camel and their trip. If they both think the father deserves the ride, then by all means go for it. If the son should take the ride, well, he should just go ahead. We can't care so much what others will view us or what the critisicm will be. Doing things to avoid criticism is in fact laying ourselves open to more attack. If we do so, we'll sure get a comment, "Look at him/her. He/she is so pretentious. He/She fears of criticisms and ridicules. He/She must have done something wrong, if not he/she would not respond to the criticisms."
All right, the end of the story-telling. I'll come back to you with more tales I read if I can remember. I love telling stories, I tell ya! :)
♥ every page of my imagination
