Valuing Nuance, Respect, and Empathy

Definitions

nu·ance

a subtle difference or distinction in expression, meaning, response, etc.

re·spect

an attitude of admiration or esteem

em·pa·thy

the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

Why this matters

A happy consequence of learning that nuance and conflict exist all around us--meaning of course that there can be endless valid (or "right") perspectives to a single topic--is that we are able to communicate our true respect for others as we differ in our opinions. We allow others to have had real and important viewpoints regarding shared experiences.

We can stop being defensive and start listening as long as we also feel heard.

My perspective is that this empathy has to start somewhere. If someone feels respected and heard, they are so much more likely to listen back. So let it start with me and you.