Damon: We need to compromise and tolerate each other
Damon would like to know if you have learned to be tolerant.
Wednesday was International Day for Tolerance and it got me thinking about the things I've learned to tolerate in life.
I think the biggest thing for me would be my tolerance of difficult people. My willingness to accept feelings and behavior different from my own.
But for me, tolerance is very different to acceptance.
In my opinion, tolerance, for example, is about being patient and realising that I may be different to someone else, or I may have a difference in opinion - and that's okay!
Acceptance, on the other hand, is about approval.
Tolerance is about meeting someone half way and consciously deciding that you're willing to compromise.
Acceptance is a decision when you actively decide that you will or won't compromise and you will or won't accept a certain thing in your life.
So here's an example...
I often do functions with a particular person that I clash with on a regular basis. That's just how it is, but we're adults and for the good of the product, I tolerate her, and she tolerates me - and all is good.
There are certain things this woman does though that I don't agree with, and to accept this and work for her when she is doing these particular things would go against all my morals and beliefs - and for that reason, when she does these particular things, I distance myself and don't get involved.
We're different though - and that's fine. We think differently - and that's also fine. What works for her may not work for me... but we tolerate each other.
So in our daily lives perhaps this is something to remember.
People may not always agree on things, but... be respectful and when you disagree, try to meet half way as opposed to saying it'll be my way or no way. Compromise and let's try to tolerate each other!
Tell me, what you have learned to tolerate?