Plato

Opinion is really the lowest form of human knowledge. It requires no accountability, no understanding. 

Okay, I admit it. I am opinionated, and it has been a lifelong lesson to learn to keep my opinions to myself. I have opinions on most things and enjoy a lively debate when someone has a differing opinion; however, what I have come to understand after many of my views fall on deaf ears is that they are unnecessary to express. If asked, I’ll happily engage, but if it is not requested, I keep my mouth shut, for the most part, anyway.

I get it. We all have life experiences that we want to share to help our friends and fellow humans, but you know what? It doesn’t matter. Every one of us has the experience to get through the challenges we are presented with. Those ways may not be best for you or me to see things, but let them go. There are many best ways to get from A to Z.

I am that ‘helpful’ friend. It gives me pleasure to help others find ways to be more efficient or do things better. But better is all relative to where we are starting. Failing, falling, and getting back up is all a part of growth.

The saying ” you have to walk before you can run” holds truth. Falling down builds our foundation, strength, and determination. So why do we want to rob our friends and family of this opportunity?

Giving our unsolicited opinions can get us into trouble with friends. So here are areas where our views should remain mute.

Relationships: Keep quiet, even if you agree. Show empathy and support for what they are going through. But if you agree and they get back together, well, you may have sacrificed a friendship.

Finances: While I don’t condone spending every last cent and living from paycheck to paycheck, personally, the stress of that would do me in. Money is a touchy subject with lots of trigger points associated with it. Unfortunately, this may have to be learned the hard way unless a good mentor has been asked to lead the way.

Children: We all survived how we were raised, and if your friends are not raising their kids the way you would, well, you know what? Let it go.

Health and Diet: This is a biggie. The trends of how to eat and exercise have as many variations as there are opinions about them. I know quite a bit about this subject, but once again, shhhhh. Our physical appearance or lack of mobility may be due to many underlying causes, so mums the word unless asked and engaged in a conversation about it.

It is important to discern the difference between having an unrequested opinion and a healthy conversation. Opinions can be packed with judgment, usually with an underlying tone of “our way is the best way.” However, we can have our points of view and differing opinions, and it is okay as long as there is an understanding that we are in discussion.

Conversely, not having an opinion or openly expressing it is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it can be evidence of a solid and secure person who doesn’t need to show the world that they know everything.

The older I have grown, the more I cherish it. I have my opinion, and you have yours; let’s leave it at that.

If you really want to make an impact, become an activist for the things you’re passionate about and create real change in the world.

~ Michelle Jaqua