We've all but forgotten the Golden Rule that we were taught in grade school. The simple, yet elegant "Treat others as you wish to be treated." seems to be exceptionally complicated in this day and age. With the advent of social media, our thoughts and opinions on just about everything have become public. This means that instead of getting to know one another a bit before discovering our differences, we now can choose new friends based solely off of shared perspectives on hot button topics. This means we utterly surround ourselves with people who think just like we do. So when someone else shares a difference of opinion, it's like our entire world is ending. We have no idea how to deal with it. We revert to our inner toddlers and throw a hissy fit and storm off. "You're mean! I don't like you!"
No mature discussions, no compromising, and certainly no listening to logic. We're right and they're wrong. Period. End of story.
As children, we are taught that differences are what make us unique. Those characteristics that separate us from the flock, and make us stand out are good things. Who wants to be just like everyone else? I recall a saying that went something like "You can't have a beautiful melody if everyone is singing the same note." and even as a child, I understood the truth in that.
When we seek out partners, we tend to follow the 'opposites attract' mentality. Why? Because it challenges us to think, and to step outside of our comfort zones. It's exciting and mind opening. We learn new things, and we find parts of ourselves that we might never have known existed. That's how we grow.
So why is it that we can't channel this attitude into the rest of our lives? Why must we hate all things different and new to us?
We're so quick to say things like "Well, it's just not normal." but why? Who defines normality? If you prefer mayo over mustard that's not normal to me, but I would never suggest you change your ways to make me happy.
The notion that the whole world should think the way you do is ludicrous at best. And dangerous at its worst. You know who though that way? Hitler.
But here's the tricky part... No one is saying that you have to like everything or everyone. Agreeing is not the same as accepting. If your friend thinks blue is the best color ever, and you think yellow is, do you now hate them? No. You don't agree, but you accept their difference and move on. Why? Because it has zero effect on your life.
The same principles apply to religion, race, politics, sexual orientation, and more. The way one person (or a group of people) choose to live their life has no consequences on the way you live yours. Here's an example:
If the idea of same sex marriage bothers you, think of it like a sports team that you're not a fan of. Don't buy the t-shirt, and feel free to root for the other team. But don't waste your energy trying to convince the world that your favorite team is the only one that should be allowed to play. In the sport of love, we're all in it for the same reasons. Regardless of what team we're playing (or rooting) for.
The more we refuse to open our minds to differences, the more we are closing ourselves off to happiness. If you spend all your time pointing fingers and hating everyone, you have no time left for the things that bring you joy and peace.
A closed minded, self absorbed world isn't one that anyone wants to live in...
Remember the Golden Rule. Practice it.
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