nobody understands how freeing it is to truly be what others call âchill.â that mindset is the most freeing of all, to not judge others upon first glance is a gift only few are naturally blessed with. of course, many learn how to be more accepting and carefree throughout life and experience, and that is to also be accepted. though what i have seen on other social media platforms is just exhausting. the key to being a truly open minded person is remembering itâs their life, not yours. people can live it and express themselves however they like as long as it doesnât harm themselves and especially others. this can go from blue hair and piercings to dyed platinum hair and neon clothing. i used to call myself open minded until i realized it was only on one side. i was very accepting of alternative fashion and lifestyle that i absolutely ripped on things that are associated with the ânorm.â i came to the realization that even though i choose not to live that way, that does not make it okay to tell people what theyâre doing is wrong or stupid. they do it because it is THEIR life, i simply wouldnât do it because thatâs MY life and it does not align with me. this obviously goes further into topics of social issues and politics, though the first and most critical step to approaching deeper rooted misunderstandings regarding those topics would be the ability to properly argue. this should be basic knowledge, though tiktok and instagram (and media in general) is forgetting how to civilly debate. one must thoroughly hear out the other without insulting and/or interrupting, and then respond after the other has said their piece. active research of the points being discussed is crucial for all around understanding other perspectives. that advice goes for small arguments in comment sections to full on debates in professional settings. some may say this segment trailed off, though that only proves how far being open minded can get someone. we should not be closed off, calling things different to us âcringeâ or dismissing others for their different ways of life.
TLDR/important takeaway: never judge anyone unless their way of life negatively affects themselves and/or others. when in disagreement, always put yourself in the otherâs perspective and actively research.
