Most would say they don’t like admitting they’re wrong in argument. Imagine two people are having a disagreement and each party is presenting their case from their point of view, based on their own experiences, assumptions and personal feelings. That communication gap ensures that neither person has won. As people, we typically see things from our point of view without considering there’s a different way.

It can be hard to put aside pride and put down the ego, but seeing things through someone else’s eyes is what creates news ideas and keeps the mind open. Empathy, understanding what someone else is going through, is the most effective way to achieve that. Often in arguments, people are focused on why they think they are right, what benefits them, and making a decision based on how much it affects them.

Two people can have the same exact experiences, but both could take away completely different things from it. In order to have a different perspective, maturity is also required. Everyone has their own view of the world, and in order to gain knowledge from other people by seeing another way something can be looked at, has to be done without judgement. The biggest way to create a strain between people is by disrespecting what they believe in.

When you want someone to listen to you or get them on your side, don’t start by trying to pull others to where you are, instead go where they are. Ask yourself if you are understanding this person’s situation, offering option of compromises, and getting that other person to realize you are making an effort to come from where they are.

It’s also important to take in the fact that everyone has some form of baggage. Different people may respond in a dissimilar way. Anyone can connect or identify with someone based on past experiences, however not being able to see where the other person is coming from is what strips that connection.

Sincerely,

Sydney