Respecting Other People's Opinions #Day11

Out of so many things we notice on social media and in a lot of people nowadays, one of those things which strikes me the most is the tendency of people while having a conversation - their urge to win an argument by hook or by crook whether it is by abusing the other person or just bashing all other opinions which do not match their.

But, in my opinion, this must not be the outlook while having an argument. We all are imperfect people and so it is evident that the way we see things is not the ideal way it should be looked at. In fact, even if we think we are right, aggression or rage must not be the way the other person's opinion must be dealt with.

In fact, the prime motive of a debate or an argument must be to PROMOTE DIALOGUE and the diversity of perspectives on any issue which certainly allows better decision making in the future.

Furthermore, we never know where their opinion comes from. Our perspectives and decisions come from our experiences and people around which certainly is quite varied for each one of us.

1) Do not listen with the intention to speak but with the intention to understand : What a lot of us subconsciously do while we listen to the other person is thinking of ways to counter their views if they differ from ours. On top of that, we also presume that if they have a different opinion, they mean to oppose us in some way and press than opinion on you which is generally not true. So do not feel the need to be worked up and argue.

2) Ask Questions rather than pressing opinions : A good way to approach a conflict of opinions is asking questions and understanding why they feel the way they do.

3) Calmly explain your opinion : In order to have a meaningful conversation, if you wish to put your views forward, you must do so calmly with reasonings, whether rational or abstract, rather than just simply making an assertion.

4) Find middle ground : This, I feel, is a foolproof way to conclude a debate/conversation when your beliefs do not match. Acknowledge the difference of thoughts but also the similarities in them, and try coming up with a solution that pleases all.
◇ But remember, it is not always possible to do so and as a mature individual, you should make peace with that.

Lastly, always be mindful that no viewpoint is arbitrarily "right" or "wrong" and so as I mentioned before, the intention must always be to find new ways to look at things and not pressing your notions on the others.