I had coffee with a friend last night and while talking I realized we don’t agree on finances. Not the end of the world, and we can certainly talk about a myriad of topics without bumping into this but it struck me later that one of us said, “I don’t agree with that” and I found myself probing to better understand the point of view alien from my own. I think it was Einstein who said it best, “The definition of intelligence is being able to hold two opposing viewpoints at the same time.” I may be grossly paraphrasing it but no matter, someone will be along to correct me shortly.

Seriously though, with all the negative vibes and judgment surrounding the recent Supreme Court ruling “you must be crazy to think that” I think we miss a huge opportunity to educate, not necessarily to change their mind but to make things more clear.

How many people are willing to ask questions about something that is almost sure to start a controversial discussion and admit that they don’t have all the answers. I certainly don’t and will assure you that I would rather soak things up like a sponge than ask a question and get doused with a bucket of hate. Sadly, this is often the case.

So what am I saying? Balance is everything. The next time someone asks you a question or says something you completely disagree with, I challenge you to say, “That is interesting that you say that, can you tell more about why you feel that way?” Here’s the kicker, you have to really listen to their answer and seek to not necessarily agree but come away with new information.

Think about it!!