During most conversations with family, friends, and co-workers, we want (and probably expect) that we’ll be agreed with. Sometimes, we’ll know up-front that we are in total disagreement over our positions, whether it be politics, food, restaurants, vacation sites, weather, etc.
Should knowing that we disagree on important (and maybe trivial) issues keep us from relationships and communication? I would hope not. Differences of opinion are vital— if only because it’s possible we might learn something. Remember also, that opinions are not necessarily the truth or a fact. They are often based on hearsay or a belief so strong that it is turned into a fact even if totally unprovable. How often do we come across this?
Since humans began to communicate with and to each other, they have had feelings and thoughts as basic as hunger, fear, and even elation over killing an animal for food. Our ancestors must have had many opinions about what was doable, possible, or inventive—like skinning animal skins to wear and help keep them warm.
So, a good disagreement may be an important step in learning something different or completely new. I experience this when I write. I may use a word that, upon re-reading, I feel is wrong for what I want to express—or the spelling is strange, yet the spell-check does not pick it up. So, I check both spelling and meaning. It’s amazing how often I learn something new.
The point here is to not let disagreements, regardless of the subject or issue, keep you from relationships and the possibility of dialogue. We humans have the built-in capacity to learn, to change and to GROW!
Sy
