The person in front of us can make a simple friction, glance, or sentence horrific.
Current issues include intolerance to social contact. The defect can drastically damage our relationships.
A narrow line between tolerance and intolerance. It appears we are becoming less patient and gentle, finding it harder to put ourselves in others' shoes and recognise that confrontation leads nowhere.
We assume we are intolerant, whether from a bad day or because tolerance is not our value.
It's sad yet true. Let's discuss everyday instances to assess our acceptance or rejection of others.
We can get furious if we stumble into someone on the phone in the street, if someone is nearly sneezing on us in the tube, or if the guy next to us in a restaurant eats his soup loudly.
Even more aggravating are when a coworker drags his feet when walking or taps his heels hard, when our spouse or buddy is distracted when we tell him anything essential, or when a film commentator won't stop talking at the movies. It's usual for ears to smoke.
Why do minor situations expose our prejudice in public?
Shouting on the bus, talking with their mouths full, or listening to music without headphones in the street should not cause wrath.
If you usually become angry after a circumstance like the one above, reconsider why.
Remember that when you get furious like this, you suffer twice as much.
The perceived offence hurts and you can't stand your rage.
Know that you are not alone in this world (thankfully) and that everyone can do what they want as long as they don't assault you.
You may agree that he does it, but you don't mind!
Step 2 is to determine why it upsets you. Movie man just wants to meet someone who likes films.
The juvenile tube sneezer didn't mean to make you sick. The one who makes noise while eating soup was instructed to do so.
The heels woman feels her noise isn't loud...
It's not like everyone is against you and doing these things to bother or upset you.
You're disturbing yourself because you think they're doing it on purpose, don't respect you, or agreed to ruin your day. Nothing but truth!
We all have eccentricities that disturb others and that we plead for understanding because they don't bother us.
Tolerance means respecting freedom of expression and religion and accepting others' differences without getting angry.
Tolerance requires self-control, patience, and emotional healing.
The fact that we live in a more intolerant culture, even if we promote diversity, does not imply we have to “stick” to this hostility in everyday life with others. Unfortunately, no one teaches tolerance.
Fighting intolerance and making it a habit takes patience. We miss this when someone doesn't behave as expected around us.
So the next time someone sits next to you on the tube when there are seats everywhere, writes you a misspelt message or smokes near you, count to 10 and don't get angry.
With a serene mentality, you'll realise no one wants to ruin your day or oppose you. All are living their lives.