Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Kara Gray's avatar

To be sure, the friend who asked the author to leave because her son was being too loud handled the situation very poorly. She definitely should have approached the author about the situation and given her a chance to intervene, calm her son, etc. if it was warranted. But her take on "blocking" people in life is absolutely brilliant and I wish more people would have this same "epiphany." Our world desperately needs more tolerance and discussion--it's how we learn from one another--and less assuming that everyone who disagrees with you is "toxic" or "evil." The realization, "...that people disagreeing with me is not abuse. Arguing is not abuse. Being criticized is not abuse," is SO urgently needed right now. And creating echo chambers by cutting out everyone who disagrees with you is only perpetuating division with increasingly negative repercussions.

Expand full comment
Chris Stowers's avatar

Such a great read today. Thank you.

Many years ago, my mentor taught me a phrase that has stuck with me. "Let's keep the issue before us - and not between us." Yes, it probably over simplifies many things, but if we were all to remember that the people/relationships in our lives are the most important things in our life, how would our lives be different.

In addition, I've read several of the other comments mentioning our society's inability to have a difficult conversation with someone with whom we disagree. While I am a self-proclaimed conflict avoider, I know that some things must be discussed and that I must enter into them with an open mind and willing to listen. This is very difficult - but we must engage.

And just a little plug for a new incredible podcast - go listen to "You Might Be Right" - it is two former Tennessee Governors (one Rep & one Dem) - who sit down to talk about heavy topics with guests from across the political spectrum with openness, honesty and respect. I can't recommend it enough. It is actual dialogue where a person's different opinion does not make him/her the enemy.

Expand full comment
31 more comments...

No posts