Article: Many individuals are taught to not really have or express an opinion at all. If this is so, it can feel really uncomfortable to be around someone who not only has a strong opinion, but willing to clearly articulate this fact. And especially so if he or she finds lively debate enjoyable, even seeking it out unsolicited. This can be for a number of reasons: Cultural differences: Some cultures downplay frank open discussion on sensitive matters, while others treat it as rude not to talk out things. Gender upbringing. Women more often than men tend to be taught to be quiet and demure, not outgoing and outspoken. A woman who is articulate and outspoken may be considered domineering, while a man doing the same thing is often evaluated much more positively. Family upbringing. In some families, children are encouraged to speak up on opinions, while others are taught children are seen and not heard. Birth order can make a difference, too. Personality differences. Some people are more outgoing and judgmental, while others are more concerned with getting along with others and keeping an open mind than on making hard and fast assessments. One personality type is not better than another. The personality type well suited to being a judge may not be the same as one best suited for being a minister. Different people do not see eye-to-eye on the same things. And sometimes this can be difficult for some people to handle. It seems so wrong for another person to feel the way he or she does! But here are some things to remember: Having a different opinion does not mean he or she is less than you. The opinion is not the same as the person. One can have the same opinion as you, but that does not necessarily make the person better than someone with a different opinion. Listening does not mean agreeing. Simply listening to another person's point of view does not mean you agree with him or her. It just means you are hearing him or her out. You do not have to engage in every argument you are invited to. Some people live to argue, but this can get exhausting. And you will not win every time. And it is OK to simply give a pass to arguments, especially if you have little or nothing to gain or a lot to lose. In most cases, an opinionated person isn't trying to be offensive and might wonder why people avoid him. If you offer empathy instead of judgement, you might be integral in helping him better understand his situation. If you already don't like the person, it will be difficult to want to get to know him or her better. Even so, try to see the person as a human being, with a family and friends and a life. The more you get to know them as a person, the easier it will be to show empathy. Since the opinionated person has no shortage of opinions to offer, you might be able to use whatever knowledge he or she possesses to your advantage. For instance, the person might know something about office dynamics where you work and be open enough to give you information that no one else will. If the person is a family member, he or she might tell you stories that everyone is too polite to mention. You might be surprised what you'll learn. Even if you find the person obnoxious, you almost certainly have areas of interest that overlap. If you don't want to talk about politics, maybe you share an interest in music. Or, if you don't want to talk about sports, maybe you can discuss adventures with family and parenting. Find those areas you have in common and focus on them.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Remember that having an opinion is OK. Remember that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. Realize opinionated people might have no insight into their behavior. Try to get to know the person at a deeper level. See the opinionated person as a potential resource. Find common ground.