Just because you believe you are right, does that make it the only answer. Do you rubber stamp all your responses with indelible ink and try to influence everyone you converse with all the time. A belief system is never so rigid that it cannot be changed.
From heterosexual to homosexual to atheist belief systems, whether you are Democrat or Republican, give the other guy a chance to live his/her own life. The strife that is entailed with so much everyday grief is forever a total waste of energy. Put that energy into helping others and walk beside those who are living the good life. This is not a time to raise your gauntlet, it is time to recognize the goodness in people, whatever their belief system might be.
Years ago, my mother taught me to be accepting and she never interfered in my opinions even though they were not necessarily hers. She loved me unconditionally. The foundation was respect and recognition of everyone's qualities. How many of you can honestly say you do not judge or criticize others?
Your lifestyle may be different than others, but who is to say yours is "Right". The word unconditional is an adjective meaning you don't put restrictions or reservations on loving somebody. Certainly we all criticize others, but do we caste them aside because they do not think the way we do or live their everyday life differently than ours.
Different opinions foster debates and is not abusive? What is real is disagreeing with someone else's opinion but explaining your point of view. Listening to the other individual's opinion and having a mature conversation is versatile and envisions the global picture.
When you believe it is okay to be tolerant, you have taken the first step towards acceptance and respect of someone else's opinion. Opinion is not fact but entirely the opposite. To verbally bully someone into believing the way you do is just plain frustrating and is a serious matter. When you verbally attack someone for having a different opinion you demean yourself as well as the other person.
People are allowed to have an opinion and that applies to you. The next time you get into a heated debate, listen for clues that could change your opinion. If everyone had the same opinion, life would be a very boring place. The truth is you do not have the ONE valid opinion.
Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief.
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