Don't Forget Humanity

I love people who are able to have open and honest communication. Unfortunately, I will shy away from it sometimes because it's scary. You could lose someone you care about if you say the wrong thing. Don't get me wrong, I can be spirited in debate. But when it comes to someone I don't want to lose, I can freeze on occasion.

Last week I had a spirited debate with a co-worker who is very open in conversation. It is the exact thing I like about her. No fear! During lunch that day, we discussed our disagreement on paper and plastic versus real dishes.

My POV was that I have been a single mom for nearly two decades. If we use paper and plastic at home, that's one chore off my list. To be fair, being a single parent I had to cook, clean, do clothes, shop, upkeep the vehicles, take care of the yard, work, and help with homework. This is an abbreviated list. That's why it made sense to mark any chore off my list that I could.

Her POV was that her husband was active-duty military who was deployed on multiple occasions. Overseas, he was only able to use paper and plastic, so he requested that they use real dishes at home. When I heard that, my POV changed.

I came in this morning and we both were poised to acquiesce to the other one's POV. Isn't that beautiful? We heard each other's side and were ready to respect the other one. Boy, do we need more of that in the times that we're in! We don't have to agree, but can't we respect each other? I'm proud of her and me for being honest about our respective stances but being willing to honor the other person's wishes.