How not to make an argument

Good Morning.

Recently, after giving feedback, I was told 'you’re extremely judgemental'. And I said, 'yes, that’s probably true; all of us are at least a little judgemental'. Over the years I’ve worked hard to become less so because I know that the key to developing positive relationships requires awareness and sensitivity to how I interact with other human beings.

All around us are issues causing rifts between families, neighbours, and friends. Recently I heard two callers on a phone-in discussion shouting over each other. There was no civility, no consideration, just shouting. Questions felt like accusations—judgemental, not curious. I thought, how terribly sad. How can we hope to live alongside each other if we can’t even take the time to listen?

The Sages taught:
'Who is wise? One who learns from every human being, as it is said in Psalms "From all my teachers I grow wise"'.

I love this quote because it reminds me that every person has something to teach me. Every single person. They might teach me how to make a better argument—or how NOT to make an argument. They might teach me how to ask better questions. And, sometimes, they might even teach me a thing or two about myself.

May we all learn to enter each conversation from a place of curiosity and compassion, and may we come away having been enriched by the encounter with another human being.