I really enjoyed this. Thank you, Amy. I find it’s best to keep quiet most of the time as I don’t really know anything for definite. Other than the things I do and don’t want to engage with. Thoughtful posts like this - yes. Opinionated rants convinced that what they think is the definitive truth - no. One of the most powerful things I’ve learned so far is that there isn’t one version of truth or reality. It’s different for everyone so I’m not getting into arguments about anything online or off!
Very good piece. I think people should be able to express their opinions, but I also think it's good to consider dialing back. I have opinions, strong ones, but I've also realized in the current social climate there is limited value (if there is any at all) in sharing them. It's not merely the lack of nuance and complexity, or the notion that everyone's opinion is equally valid, but the purity tests of having to agree with people to be considered good or a friend. Recently, a neighbor posted some rather stark accusations against someone on a neighborhood group and though I think her accusations were probably correct, I simply commented that it's a good idea to choose our words carefully online as things online get out of hand. I thought that was a rather mild bit of advice for everyone. She accused me of being on the accused's side and defriended me on social media and avoids speaking to me IRL now.
I've always been a big believer that the best friends tell us when we're wrong. They're the one's that are honest, who try to pull you back from the brink when you've gone to far, who are willing to disagree with you. I still believe that. But in today's world it's not wanted or appreciated. You're expected to nod along in loyal agreement no matter what otherwise, you're "other". I wonder how much this all plays into the loneliness epidemic. No one has any real friends, all they've got is shallow sycophants who agree with everything they say.
I do. I think social media has made life performative for a lot of people. They’re constantly seeking validation online and I think that has led to a lot of people having symbolic beliefs; “A symbolic belief is a belief that is used to signal one's social identity to others in their community. People hold symbolic beliefs to support their need to belong to a group, religion, or movement, even if the beliefs are not factually true”. Opinions don’t need to be deep or thoughtful if your goal is just to signal to others what kind of person you want people to think you are. The right opinion is the one that gets you accepted.
So much wisdom here! Should be required reading for *everyone* who has an opinion on the election here in the U.S. 😭 Here's my opinion 🤭 lol but it drives me insane how people don't share empathy for other people's viewpoints. Nothing is black and white. So much nuance. The lens and life experience for every single person will be different, resulting in their unique viewpoints.
With that being said, I think it's human nature for people to share their viewpoints. And? I am fine with people having different viewpoints from me. Doesn't mean I agree, but I do respect and try and understand.
And, last opinion lol... I think people would be a lot healthier and happier if they stopped keybaord warrier-ing their lives away with all of their "hell or highwater" opinions.
I love your thoughtful comments, Megan. The election is certainly a hot button topic right now. I imagine it can make everyday conversation somewhat like dodging landmines. Thank you for reading 🙏
I really like this post. I try to keep my opinions to myself these days with varying success. First, much of what I used to believe I no longer believe. Second, political opinions are so divisive that I don’t even talk about politics in my own house. Otherwise, my wife and adult children and I would be at loggerheads continuously. The only areas where I feel safe expressing my opinions are NCAA football and the NFL. Even there, I avoid expressing opinions that have any possible connection to politics.
I think your approach reflects a lot of wisdom. We always have to ask ourselves if our attachment to and expression of this opinion is worth losing a relationship over.
I really enjoyed this. Thank you, Amy. I find it’s best to keep quiet most of the time as I don’t really know anything for definite. Other than the things I do and don’t want to engage with. Thoughtful posts like this - yes. Opinionated rants convinced that what they think is the definitive truth - no. One of the most powerful things I’ve learned so far is that there isn’t one version of truth or reality. It’s different for everyone so I’m not getting into arguments about anything online or off!
Thank you so much for reading, and for your thoughtful comment, Amanda. 🙏
Very good piece. I think people should be able to express their opinions, but I also think it's good to consider dialing back. I have opinions, strong ones, but I've also realized in the current social climate there is limited value (if there is any at all) in sharing them. It's not merely the lack of nuance and complexity, or the notion that everyone's opinion is equally valid, but the purity tests of having to agree with people to be considered good or a friend. Recently, a neighbor posted some rather stark accusations against someone on a neighborhood group and though I think her accusations were probably correct, I simply commented that it's a good idea to choose our words carefully online as things online get out of hand. I thought that was a rather mild bit of advice for everyone. She accused me of being on the accused's side and defriended me on social media and avoids speaking to me IRL now.
I've always been a big believer that the best friends tell us when we're wrong. They're the one's that are honest, who try to pull you back from the brink when you've gone to far, who are willing to disagree with you. I still believe that. But in today's world it's not wanted or appreciated. You're expected to nod along in loyal agreement no matter what otherwise, you're "other". I wonder how much this all plays into the loneliness epidemic. No one has any real friends, all they've got is shallow sycophants who agree with everything they say.
Do you think social media has contributed to the state of things?
People used to be able to respectfully discuss differing opinions, but that seems to be a thing of the past.
Thank you for reading, and sharing your thoughts.
I do. I think social media has made life performative for a lot of people. They’re constantly seeking validation online and I think that has led to a lot of people having symbolic beliefs; “A symbolic belief is a belief that is used to signal one's social identity to others in their community. People hold symbolic beliefs to support their need to belong to a group, religion, or movement, even if the beliefs are not factually true”. Opinions don’t need to be deep or thoughtful if your goal is just to signal to others what kind of person you want people to think you are. The right opinion is the one that gets you accepted.
So much wisdom here! Should be required reading for *everyone* who has an opinion on the election here in the U.S. 😭 Here's my opinion 🤭 lol but it drives me insane how people don't share empathy for other people's viewpoints. Nothing is black and white. So much nuance. The lens and life experience for every single person will be different, resulting in their unique viewpoints.
With that being said, I think it's human nature for people to share their viewpoints. And? I am fine with people having different viewpoints from me. Doesn't mean I agree, but I do respect and try and understand.
And, last opinion lol... I think people would be a lot healthier and happier if they stopped keybaord warrier-ing their lives away with all of their "hell or highwater" opinions.
I love your thoughtful comments, Megan. The election is certainly a hot button topic right now. I imagine it can make everyday conversation somewhat like dodging landmines. Thank you for reading 🙏
Such sage advice in an especially volatile climate.
Thank you so much.
I really like this post. I try to keep my opinions to myself these days with varying success. First, much of what I used to believe I no longer believe. Second, political opinions are so divisive that I don’t even talk about politics in my own house. Otherwise, my wife and adult children and I would be at loggerheads continuously. The only areas where I feel safe expressing my opinions are NCAA football and the NFL. Even there, I avoid expressing opinions that have any possible connection to politics.
I think your approach reflects a lot of wisdom. We always have to ask ourselves if our attachment to and expression of this opinion is worth losing a relationship over.