17-01-11, 10:21 AM
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#1
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My Mood:
Gender: Female
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,750
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How to respect other's opinions.
We have all been there—there is that one person in the room that you just can't agree with, or that one user on the forum with ideals much more radical than our own, and it piques our interest in a very negative way. We want to argue and fight, and force our opinion on them. We want to make them see what we see. But this type of debating is neither healthy nor effective. When you try to force your opinion on someone else, you are doing the exact opposite of what you should—instead of trying to convince them you are right, or that they are wrong, try stepping into their shoes first. Try to think from their point of view. These tips should help you if you tend to be a person who simply can't understand other's opinions!
1. Realize you aren't the only one in the world. It may seem silly, but think about it. With the Internet and air travel, hundreds of unique and unexplored cultures are right at our doorstep. Doesn't it seem ridiculous to assume that everyone shares the same opinion as you do? Different cultures bring different perspectives on controversial issues on all ends of the spectrum. Before you try to argue with someone, try and understand that perhaps their views are influenced by their culture or society.
2. Don't put up barriers, even if they do! Putting up a barrier to protect yourself and your opinion will only make matters worse. When you put up a wall between yourself and another person, you are preventing yourself from becoming open to new ideas and new perspectives. Listening to another's opinion is no guarantee that you will change your views, but being able to listen and respect someone's views can be very beneficial to both you and the person speaking.
3. Understand the benefits of being open. Even if you do not agree with someone's opinion, their views may open up for you another door that you may not have even known existed. When we share our opinions, we share information about ourselves, our culture and our country. We can learn so much about different countries when we listen to the common people.
4. Think positively, not negatively, when you see a conflicting opinion. Our tendency is to automatically switch to defense mode when we see an opinion that conflicts with our own, especially opinions that are so radically different that they appeal to our own moral values. Allow that conflicting opinion to give yourself the opportunity to express your own opinion. Instead of becoming defensive and angry, try to funnel those feelings into an educated and backed-up response. Remember, you don't have to be right! If you provide examples or research to back yourself up, then you have proved your point. Another opinion gives you an opportunity to show just how much you know, and show it off!
5. Use the "do unto others" principle. "Treat others as you want to be treated". Would you be appreciative of an abrasive or angry response to your opinion? If you find yourself wanting to write something angry or offensive, try and think about how you would feel if someone else did the same thing to you.
If anyone has any other points to add, feel free to add them in responses below. I may have missed something important!
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