How to handle a difference of opinion...

*I would like to highlight that this blog is not for politics but I can't help but be amazed at the aggressive behavior and words happening between friends, families, and the whole world, yes in this case a difference of opinion affects all our lives and all we can do is have faith and pray for the best!*

by Lucy Voehl

Unless you have been living under a rock (If so, I envy you) you are aware that the US has a new elected president. To be honest, in my opinion, both the candidates were terrible choices, but oh well. I had to get my opinion out there to prove that all of us have opinions and we have them about everything not just the elections.

We are all different, think different, have different likes and dislikes, and have different temperaments as well, so its only normal that friction arises when we carry a conversation with one another, specially with people we are related to like friends and family members. The important thing to keep in mind that there is no way around it, we are all entitled to our opinions, but what we can control is how we react to this situations when they arise.

The main thing is that we always need to show KINDNESS to others. Kindness is not only being there for people when they need help, but it also means treating people politely and with respect, specially in our conversation. We can show kindness by being good listeners, and here are a few tips on how we can achieve that:
  • We need to remind ourselves to be humble, we don't know everything, and we can always learn something new so keep an open disposition to hear what the other person has to say
  • It is important that we let the other person share his point of view with out passing judgement, we don't always know the reason behind why they think or act the way they do. 
  • Make it a point to treat them the way you would like to be treated, this will help you keep a gentle and loving voice and heart in moments of discussion. 
  • Make sure you know all the facts and have done your research before you defend your point of view, having a well founded base helps the situation, not just "so and so says" *this one is specially relevant to the elections* 
  • Choose your words carefully, having a clear message you will avoid misunderstandings. I am guilty of this, sometimes after hours of talking about something with my husband we realize were both saying the same thing... this is specially hard for people who are speaking in a second language, so be patient.
  • Stop, breathe, calm down, and think first before answering. It is important to not just say things in the heat of the moment, you cant take words back once they are out there. Angry words can be very harmful, anger takes away our peace, harms your health and makes you and the other people unhappy.
  • Body language is important, a lot of times we are adding to the tension with our behavior not just our words, our expression says more than 1000 words will. And the conversation flows smoother if we make an effort to create a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere where the other person (and us) feel comfortable talking.
  • We should not allow for pride to take over, sometimes this can be hard, but we need to be mindful of this. It is also important not to take ourselves too seriously or we'll end being resentful 
  • We need to keep in mind and try to not take things and comments personally, when we take comments to a personal level we can end up holding grudges that robs us of our joy.
  • And if we are wrong we should admit it, don't try to defend yourself, admit you are wrong emphatically 
  • When we are right we need to be keen to perceive when the other persons feelings are hurt, be sympathetic, and don't rub it in or insist that you are right it can turn things into a quarrel.
  • Accept that sometimes there is no way to prove who is right and who is wrong, sometimes things are subjective or there is lots of other factors that fall into the situation.
  • and remember a little kindness goes a long way!

When it comes to this elections, we all had our reasons for wanting one side vs the other to win... elections are over, there is no point in getting into arguments with friends and family, being hostile to one another, no need for insults, no need for resentment... all we can do is be KIND to one another... show kindness and humility whether the person who won was who you wanted or not, don't take it personally, don't make assumptions and wild guesses of whats going to happen now. I understand prides might be hurt and some people might be scared of the future (yes, I am from Venezuela i'm always scared) but all we can do now is have faith and pray that the candidate who won will do whats right and will be for the best. 


"By being kind, we have the power of making the world a happier place in which to live" Lawrence Lovasik


If you would like to read more about kindness and how it can change our lives and the world I highly recommend this book, it's really worth the read

The Hidden Power of Kindness: A Practical Handbook for Souls Who Dare to Transform the World, One Deed at a Time




*This post has an affiliate link, thank you!

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