The time has come to stop pushing your beliefs on others. Instead of just saying your opinions louder to drown out the people who disagree with you, try listening to what they to say and be respectful of their opinion.

You are entitled to your own opinion and so is everyone else.

It isn’t really fair of you to belittle others or treat them poorly because they have different beliefs and opinions than you do. Respect the fact that everyone is different. Embrace people’s differences and listen to them when they try to explain.

You are not the only person who can be right.

Everybody has a different background and life that plays a role in what their viewpoint is, and we should all respect that.

Every single person sees things differently, so how can you expect everyone around you to agree with you on everything? They are different from you and they don’t have to agree with you. What they believe to be right is right, in their eyes.

For example, when you stand face to face with someone and you say something is to the right, they will say it is to the left because they have a different point of view right then. But, in those situations we don’t yell that they are dumb and wrong, we understand that they are looking at the situation from a different viewpoint.

So, why do we berate and talk over others and say horrible things about them when they speak from their viewpoint and it is different from our own?

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard someone be criticized for their political beliefs both before and after the election. Whether or not you like the results of the election, it is what it is. And, again, it is only right that you respect the opinion of others on the matter.

This article written by Diane Dimond of the Huffington Post talks more about America’s political history and how we act today.

“What is wrong with us that we cannot hold civil discussions or listen to someone else’s point of view?” Dimond said. “Perhaps it’s because we’re afraid new facts might upset our firmly held beliefs? When did this automatically dismissive mentality take the place of respecting every American’s right to their own opinion?”

The article also talks about how we are so busy attacking each other that we’ve failed to notice the real evils in the world and here at home.

“When we lose the ability to respect our fellow citizens we’re in real trouble,” Dimond said.

Respect can be as simple as simply choosing to change the topic or say that you don’t agree rather than arguing. Respect can also be shown by just listening.

It doesn’t take much to listen to others. It just takes you quieting yourself long enough to hear what others are saying. The hard part is stopping yourself from using argumentative tones and wording to respond. Be understanding and consider what people have to say before you jump to conclusions.

17paugustine@usd489.com