What can I say? I have met some people who have fallen out and ended years of good relationship due to a difference in opinions that are sometimes insignificant.

I have witnessed heated and virulent arguments, even online where people degenerate far down to abusive vitriol when someone dares to disagree with their point of view and the question that always cross my mind is to wonder what kind of background the name-calling, combative person has?

If a person can’t get his/her point across in a clear, concise manner without the entire discussion degenerating into a World-war, then they should not bother getting into discussions at all.

Getting all heated up over issues that can either be by-passed or discussed like responsible humans is a no brainer. No one should waste their time on such non-productive ventures.

Opinions are what they are. Even if you are right, the other person reserves the right to disagree with you and your ability to handle the disagreement is where the maturity lies.

I have witnessed where people are brought around to a different line of thinking by the presentation of clear, unambiguous and empirical evidence.

Points of view are two-ways or even in some instances a multi-faceted traffic and as much as you like your voice heard, it’s possible the other person does so as well.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha