Okay maybe everyone is not entitled to MY opinion, but it’s important to have one – an opinion that is. Simply defined, an opinion is your personal view on a particular topic – any topic. Now, let’s be clear: just because you have an opinion doesn’t mean that you are right, it simply means you have (hopefully) given some thought to a topic.
Having an opinion is important in life, otherwise you end up without a voice and without direction – you become a follower. Followers don’t change the world, at least not usually.
I have to say I have never been without an opinion and sometimes in my life I have been SURE that everyone knows what I think – to a fault – not good. It’s equally important to hear what others have to say on a subject to engage in healthy discussion and, at times, debate.
I think about how my opinions have shaped my life and changed as I grow older. Things that I knew for certain when I was 15 are 100% different today. Experience also helps shape your thoughts and opinions, but again, it’s critical to have your own thoughts and ideas because those thoughts and ideas will shape who you will eventually become.
Having an opinion comes with great responsibility. It will also usually be met with an opposing opinion or thought and it is then that you need to be sure you have something to support your thought(s); “because I think so” is not a valid argument or defense. In addition to supporting your thoughts you need to learn to respect an opposing opinion.
I think recently to a scenario where some young friends of mine posted something on their Facebook page. It was a controversial topic (abortion) and it garnered a great deal of attention, mostly because when someone who didn’t agree with the original opinion on the topic posted a response and the young women appeared to attack the person. Name calling ensued and it got ugly. I stepped in and reminded these young women that when you post something that people have feelings about, you should be ready for opposing opinions and name calling is not the solution.
The post was promptly removed and a hot topic like that has not been re-posted…yet. Now, let me be clear. I am happy the post came down but only because I didn’t like how the conversation was progressing or digressing I should say. The responses lacked intelligence and RESPECT for the other person. It’s appropriate to disagree with someone, but never lose the respect you would demand.
So I say, make sure you always have an opinion – it makes for great conversation!
Until next time…
About Lori Luna
Well, honestly I find myself not wanting to have an opinion on everything. Yes i agree with you, you should always have an opinion but most of the time the opinion is empiric and not thought at all. You see, I have an opinion on having an opinion :-).
Ha! that cracked me up. :))
Twitter Name: loriluna
I love this!
I also agree that one of the hardest and most important skills is to find a way to engage someone with whom you have anywhere from a mild to a strong difference of opinion. I swear it’s the hardest thing in the world to do (I bet we can all count on one hand the people we know who do it well).
I would also guess one of the most powerful skills. Because, as you say, if you don’t find a way to stay connected in disagreement with others, you’ll have have the opportunity to influence one another.
Thanks for this!
Thanks Polly and you are 100% correct.
Twitter Name: loriluna
Er, that would be “NEVER have the opportunity to influence one another.” Clearly I’m an unconscious optimist. :)
Attack the argument, never the speaker. It’s also okay to listen to people and change your opinion or refine your opinion. Sometimes it seems to be about winning, not communicating.
Twitter Name: Unknown Mami
Opposing opinions are sometimes hard to take but if they’re delivered with respect, it’s easier to actually consider them. Great advice, Lori!
Twitter Name: Izzymom
I love opposing opinions — it helps me learn and grow. I can hear them if, and only if, I’m not being yelled at.
Twitter Name: juliaroberts1