Opinions - They're JUST Opinions People!

Opinion: belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge.

I don't understand why this word seems to be a four letter word to a lot of people. I find it interesting (maddening) that people get offended by opinions. Why is that? It's simply someone's point of view. It is not directed at you as an individual and it does not mean that the person won't change their mind.

In my frustration this morning, I asked my girlfriend that very same question. She's one of those people who generally has a different view from mine, so I find it fascinating to bounce ideas off her. Her answer was that a lot of opinions are based on a person's core beliefs, and many times, people are willing to die for those beliefs, so opinions can be viewed as something volatile (I am paraphrasing here). I was quite taken aback by that answer, because I'd never seen it from that point of view before. Probably because my opinions are rarely (I cannot, in all honesty, say "never") based on a core belief, they're just an opinion.

My husband and I are both opinionated people. Shocker! We have no problem sharing our opinions with the world. We have had long, animated debates with our friends, and each other, about what we think about (insert topic here). I mean, we have an opinion on almost everything (especially music). BUT, it's just our opinion! We are not stating fact, we are not attempting to make anyone agree with us, we are simply stating our opinion. We are also the type of people who are flexible in that opinion. If someone argues their point of view, we might actually decide we like their opinion better. We don't get offended that their opinion differs from ours. Well, almost. I mean, if you tried to argue that Britney Spears is a true talent, we may have to lock you in the broom closet, but otherwise, we're pretty easy-going.

So, people, please help us out here. If someone is stating an opinion, and you start to feel offended. STOP. Obviously, you have a different opinion, which means you need to accept the other person's view regardless of if you agree. It doesn't mean they are right or wrong, and it doesn't mean they hate you, it just means they disagree with you.

Build a bridge people -- and get over it.