A Beginner's Guide To An Opinion | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Beginner's Guide To An Opinion

Why so serious?

59
A Beginner's Guide To An Opinion
Coverdesign.co.uk

When did everyone become so serious and sensitive to every opinion? I can't even share a cat video without people complaining about some aspect of it. Why do people become furious towards opinions they don't like and hold their own opinions as superior? Wouldn't it be easier to keep scrolling? Maybe watch a different cat video? Maybe have a cup of tea? For those who are lost on what do, here is a compilation of common sense ideas titled The Beginner's Guide to an Opinion.

Many people I know fail to see the simplicity behind having an opinion. Let me break down what an opinion is: a statement of personal belief that is neither true nor false. People do not understand this simple concept and it blows my mind; hence why I made this Beginner's Guide for the uninformed.

Let's put what we just learned into practice! For example, if I believe I am a Jedi Master and have awesome force powers, that is an opinion. I might be slightly out of touch from reality, but it's an opinion nonetheless. Saying "your opinion is wrong" is nonsensical. Even Grumpy Cat would laugh at that. An opinion is not right or wrong. It's a personal statement, one that can't be refuted. Imagine telling a Christian that their personal belief in Christ rising from the dead is wrong. You don't learn anything, the Christian doesn't learn anything (besides learning that you're a heathen), and you've managed to piss Jesus off. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.

I've been watching a lot of Gordon Ramsay videos on Youtube, and he said something that struck a chord with me. He was calling this restaurant manager an idiot (like he always does) and the manager calmly told Gordon, "What if someone told YOU were an idiot? How would you feel?" I thought this was an excellent response to Gordon's opinion, being both polite and pushing the opinion back on Gordon. What I didn't expect was Gordon's answer. He responded saying, "I wouldn't care because I'm not a dainty little flower that takes everything personally." This blew my mind. It was a literal mental implosion. A quote so simple, but filled with so much power. Almost enough power to charge the Energizer Bunny.

Here is the lesson: even though you may get offended at a different opinion, you have the absolute freedom to choose to take it personally. If you do, you're screwed life will be very tough. Just in case you turn to the Dark Side and fail, I've made some steps to make your life not as miserable.

You can see a completely different world by applying my 6 easy steps for handling different opinions to your everyday social regimen:

1. Shut up and listen to what they believe and why they believe in that certain way. And every time you interrupt, a bunny sheds a tear. Do not make that bunny cry. Do not belittle their opinions.

2. Don't invalidate their opinion by saying, "Nope, you're wrong." Don't even explain WHY you think they are wrong. 10/10 would not recommend. Do not belittle their opinions.

3. Ask questions. People love talking about themselves, and giving them open-ended questions makes their hearts jump for joy. It's like giving them a lightsaber and telling them they are magical space wizards. And everyone loves magical space wizards. Read How To Win Friends And Influence People to learn how to make friends and manipulate influence people to do your bidding. Do not belittle their opinions.

4. Encourage their train of thought, even if it seems to be going off the rails. Seek out the positive things in their messages and find the mechanisms for why they think differently. Not only do you get to know someone better, but you get the chance to learn new perspectives! *mind blown* If there are no positive messages, get off their train of thought. Better to surround yourself with positivity than negativity. Do not belittle their opinions.

5. If they welcome your opinion, give it. Don't use this rare opportunity to be passive aggressive. I know it's fun, but save that sass for your imaginary friends close friends. Do not belittle their opinions.

6. Just in case you missed it: Do not belittle their opinions. I want this message to repeat over and over in your head like the Gummi Bear song. Check it out here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=astISOttCQ0

An opinion is a beautiful bit of information that a person can create with their one-of-a-kind mind. Opinions mold our identity and make us human. Discouraging opinions because they are different is inhumane. Don't take everything so seriously. If you do, you might just see the death of free speech. And that, ladies and gentlemen, will be the last joke you will ever see. Except for Kim Kardashian. That joke will be around for a while.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15565
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6720
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4966
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4356
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments