Saturday 29 October 2016

Empathy

Empathy. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as the ability to share someone else's feelings.

     I want to be an empathetic person. But sometimes, I find it hard to take the view of someone else, especially when I don't agree with that person's opinions. For example, the debate on equal rights for LGBTQ+, or pro-choice vs pro-life. I will proudly declare that I am an advocate for equal rights for those in the LGBTQ+ community and I am pro-choice. 
     Of course, I understand that there are people who don't advocate for the LGBTQ+ community (not that they're against equal rights, but they're in a neutral position) or those who are pro-life. I find it hard to take their stand. To empathize with them. 
     I believe that it's alright to hold your views as long as you don't impose them on other people. But sometimes there's the issue that some people believe you should impose your beliefs on others and others who disagree. So how exactly can I live my life and be respectful of the different views of others? 
     How can I be empathetic? Am I empathetic enough? My mind's a mess right now.