Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Making space to listen


--by Wellprincess, posted May 5, 2016
Instead of engaging in a political election debate during which one side usually tries to convince the other one to change their opinion, I focused on an individual with a different political opinion. This is was my coworker,  I smiled at him and asked him to just enjoy the sunny lunch break outside together at a picnic. .

He told me his story and where his opinions coming from and I told him mine. In the end, we even found some common ground, although we are still political opponents. I think by focusing on one person at a time, I am better able to listen and to understand and share my perspective instead of screaming at each other in big debates where you cannot hear the other side because you are so busy making yourself heard in a loud voice. 
 
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Readers Comments

gyrocloudy wrote: yes! I've thought silence cabins would work on those debates. Then, a moderator has all kind of buttons and he allows and decide who's going to speak next and how much. If the time runs out, the man will keep talking but nobody hear him anymore. This is a good idea. :)
gyrocloudy wrote: Thank you for hearing a coworker
AnnC wrote: Listening and respecting different opinions is a great gift of kindness.
sandyremillar wrote: very wise feedback....
alisamom wrote: That is a wonderful approach!
mindyjourney wrote: One on one, our listening skills connect sooo much better :)). Well done!
horsegirl21 wrote: yes; nice approach :)
leoladyc728 wrote: We should all be respected for our opinions. I try to stay away from political conversations, but since the elections are soon, it is kind of hard.
splain wrote: That is the way to relate and understand another point of view
Mish wrote: They say never discuss religion or politics :)))))

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