How do We Talk About Issues That Matter?

     For many people speaking to others about important problems is scary. It can be controversial to bring up serious topics. Some people will have a different viewpoint than you. When starting a conversation about these issues you have to open your mind, you'll have to allow yourself to be understanding of other people's opinions and experiences. Take in their viewpoints and rather than arguing, try to see it from their perspective. Although it may be easy to stay in your comfort zone, try to remember that uncomfortable conversations aren't necessarily a bad thing, and they are also needed. Children should learn to talk about serious emotional topics from a young age. If they start young they will gain knowledge and responsibility through these conversations. They will be able to gain practice in being open to these types of conversations. Adults don’t feel comfortable speaking about these topics because it is seen as “difficult”, mainly because it is unpracticed and out of our comfort zone. However, we can not expect to solve said problems unless they are spoken about. When we speak about these topics we humanize them, and we learn to be empathetic towards one another. We can help each other realize that we may be making empathy-limiting mistakes, without speaking on these matters we would never learn and never solve any problems. Pushing aside politeness and getting to the root of the problem is the only way we will be able to approach these topics. Going in with an open mind and allowing yourself to speak from the heart.