Terry Pratchett – Making Money “one side”

Can you see all sides to a problem? It is difficult sometimes because everyone has different experiences. You are all brought up in different circumstances even though they may appear the same, as in a family. However, the interactions between parents and children and among siblings will all bring different influences. Thus, no two people are ever going to view life in exactly the same way.

Bear this is mind if you have a problem concerning another person. Consider, if you had the background, upbringing and circumstances of that person, would you hold the same point of view as them?

It is very easy to view life as right or wrong, but often it depends on where you‘re standing. The next time you disagree with someone take a moment to consider his or her point of view. Don‘t make them ‘wrong‘. It is not necessary and is very negative. Negotiate rather than argue, and allow the other person their point of view even though you may not agree. In most cases there will be some common ground, start with this. Approach the problem from the same side of the fence, so to speak, as the other person. You are in this together and together must find the solution.

Of course not everyone will be amenable to this; some people thrive on conflict and love a good argument. Are you one of those? Are you sure that when you ‘have it out‘ with someone you are not just riding roughshod over their thoughts and feelings? Think well on this. You won‘t get it right all the time, but treat the person as you would like to be treated, and with dignity.

Blessings