It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. ~ Aristotle

We live in a funny time. No longer can we sit at a table with someone who disagrees with us politically – at least one side can’t do this. They call names, they stop discussions before they can begin by placing labels on those who oppose their views. (Read This: Men Cannot Be Politically Correct)

Then you have older folks. They can hear your opinion and just let it be. They may not agree with it, but they often don’t even feel the need to voice theirs or to correct yours. They’ve come to grips with what’s worthy of anger and what isn’t.

Be like them.

Be willing to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Don’t dig your heels in. Don’t hate the holder of the opinion. Don’t call them a name or cry because their opinion differs from yours. Just entertain the thought.

It’s simple. It leads to a happier life. It leads to less stress, more laughter, and more unity.

Stop getting ‘triggered’. Differing opinions have a root in some kind of logic. Stop halting a viewpoint by being blinded by a minor detail or your perception of that opinion.

Just listen. Hear the opinion, let it settle in your mind, understand why someone may hold that opinion, and let it be.