A fairly large political event took place this week; after the results came in, social media exploded with comments and opinions. There were countless arguments that took place between friends, family, and peers expressing their beliefs. Although people have disagreements about politics, maybe these topics below are subjects that we all can agree with and happily debate about with one another.
1. Jim and Pam are the ultimate relationship goals.*
Jim never gave up loving Pam every single day, even through her long engagement to Roy, seeing the teapot being passed around countless times at the Christmas party, and getting engaged at a gas station. Still wiping tears from their insanely adorable Niagara Falls wedding. But we can agree to disagree about other couples.
*(insert Ross & Rachel, Chandler & Monica, and/or Lilly & Marshall debates)
2. Puppies, baby ducks, and baby elephants are adorable.
How can we argue against these cute little ones?!
3. Kid President would have been the best write-in option on the ballot.
You have my vote and you always will. Stay cute, kid.
4. A burrito bowl from Chipotle with a drink is well worth the $8.88.
Throwing out the extra $1.95 for guac as well -- yes we know it's extra, but it brings us extra happiness.
5. You should never cut your own bangs.
Take it from Liv circa 2008--DO NOT TRY TO CUT YOUR OWN HAIR AT 14. Let a professional handle that challenge with barber scissors or possibly a blow torch.
6. Sometimes it works in your favor for your sense of style not changing too much.
Eight years, two events, same dress (perks of being frugal and relatively staying the same clothing size since eighth grade). At least my 23 year old self now knows where to place my hands when posing for pictures. Also, investing in a good quality hair straightener works wonders -- who would have thought?
7. Ellen DeGeneres has better dance moves than most of us.
She can also lip sync better than most of us. No need to contest this view.
8. I have an inept ability to make a fool out of myself in sports.
As much as I can talk about stats, plays, and exciting moments some of the best athletes make in a variety of sports all day every day, I think we all can agree I won't be the next "world's most extreme paddleboarder" with exhibit A above. A hilarious video is involved with my failed attempt, of which you can check it on Facebook and Instagram profiles (exhibit B). It may be a low resolution series of pictures, but there is high quality entertainment overall.
9. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.
We live in an environment where as soon as one person disagrees with another's opinions or beliefs, the whole mentality of "you're wrong, I'm right" ignites and catches a strong fire. I'm not saying we all have to be "kumbaya" and hold hands every single moment, but respect for one another is essential. Social media has become the major platform of expressing ideas, thoughts, and opinions; it's a very quick method of communication that has plenty of benefits for a social environment. Although keeping in touch with others is of ease with Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram, it's also tearing friendships and relationships apart. What happened to face-to-face conversations with one another and understanding vocal tones, facial expressions, and body language? Dialogue can go back and forth, exchanging the flow of ideas that one may not have previously thought of; someone can get a general feel of what the other person is saying. Now it's facing a screen, scrolling through comments and shared links for us to read within a matter of minutes, and typing (what seems to be) a million words a minute in the heat of the moment. Yes, it's hypocritical of me to say this while typing away on my computer and posting this online, but I guess if you can't beat them, join them. We'll agree to disagree on infinite things -- that won't change for a very long time. However, it's extremely important to treat others the way that you want to be treated for yourself. I can attest that no matter what differences you and I may have about beliefs, ideas, or approaches, I will respect you because of who you are as a person. Compassion, generosity, honesty, and other intrinsic qualities mean a hell of a lot more to me than whether you lean left or right. I expect to be treated fairly for myself and so should you for yourself. Please be as mature and respectful as you can be to one another. If that doesn't hold strongly enough to remember, go back to point #8 and watch me faceplant in the Atlantic Ocean after trying to stand on a paddleboard for a solid eight seconds -- that should put a smile on your face in no time ;)