By the time we reach our 60th birthday, it’s natural to have well-formed opinions about the world. Many of us have strong political and religious views. Others have well-formed opinions about the sports teams that we support, the causes that we contribute to and the communities in which we live.
There is nothing wrong with this. After all, a large part of life is exploring your passions and discovering who you really are. The problem comes when your opinions become so strong that being right becomes more important than being happy.
Do you ever find yourself getting frustrated because the other people in your life “just don’t get it?” Do you wonder why they just can’t see the “obvious” truth about the issues that are important to you? Maybe you fight with your kids about how they are raising your grandchildren. Or, perhaps you stay away from people who have political views that seem incompatible with your own.
Now, I’m not saying that you should never share your opinions with others on the issues that matter to you. I’m simply inviting you to be conscious about your beliefs and the impact that they have on others. If you are one of those people that are able to share your views, no matter how controversial to others, with a bright smile and a light heart, you’re probably doing fine.
But, if your discussions about politics, religion, values, family and society always seem to be tense and uncomfortable, you may be focusing too much on being right and not enough on being happy.
So, the next time you feel your blood getting hot during a discussion, remember this simple quote from Douglas Adams, “I’d far rather be happy than right any day.” Not only will you be happier, but, you may start to see that the people around you have valid points to share.
Do you think that people tend to worry more or less about being right as they get a little older? What issues or topics do you usually have the most trouble discussing without getting animated? Please join the discussion.
