We all have to deal with situations and individuals in our daily lives that test our limits of tolerance due to their differences in appearance, ideology, or behavior. To be more tolerant means to accept or be patient regarding something unpleasant or undesirable (source). By developing an appreciation for and appreciation of diversity, though, we can strengthen this facet of our character.
This article provides practical advice that may be used immediately to help you become more tolerant of others.
1. Attempt to view things from the other person’s perspective
If you try to imagine yourself in the other person’s position, you will be better able to understand their perspective.
As an alternative, you may genuinely inquire about the specifics of their life in an effort to connect with them on a deeper level.
By doing this, we can avoid constantly investigating the motives of our fellow humans.
As a result of developing our capacity for empathy, we are better able to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes and develop a tolerance for behaviors and perspectives that are different from our own.
Some people are more naturally empathic than others, but even among those who are, there are still those who struggle to be compassionate. It’s not easy, but it is doable with effort and practice.
2. Inquire about the reasoning behind the other person’s position.
Asking the other person what they believe, possibly by stating “Tell me more about what you think,” is a clever way to turn the tables and demonstrate tolerance. I don’t understand where you got that notion. ”
In contrast, intolerance might cause us to defend our beliefs in a hostile manner, preventing us from learning anything about the other person’s perspective.
3. Avoid making the discussion about yourself
If we’re having trouble being courteous in a conversation, we shouldn’t try to make it about the other person by accusing them of being wrong because of their viewpoint.
Using first-person narrative is one approach.
You might say something like, “I disagree with it. As far as I’m concerned… In contrast, if we first tell the other person, “You’re wrong for thinking that. When someone says, “Your opinion is erroneous,” the conversation takes a negative turn.
4. Get acquainted with people and cultures different from your own
Knowledge of a culture and its peculiarities, beliefs, and customs can help us become more tolerant of those with whom we may come into contact.
By expanding one’s horizons to include the many cultures around them, no one is renouncing their own heritage.
5. To put differences aside, try switching gears
Individually and conceptually, we are all distinct. There is no need for hostility here.
Instead, it is feasible to put aside differences by changing the topic of conversation or avoiding those that could produce controversy in order to make it through a difficult scenario while remaining tolerant.
It’s not always as simple as trying to persuade them to see things our way.
Rather, it’s about realizing that we won’t always see eye-to-eye with other people and that not everyone we meet will become a friend.
6. Take the time to hear out what other people have to say before drawing any conclusions.
Most of us listen to something every day because of the various benefits it provides us.
With the caveat that we should listen not to answer, but to comprehend and value the other person’s perspective.
Receptive listening has been found to be crucial for healthy interpersonal connections.
In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to listen carefully, avoid making assumptions, and maintain eye contact with the other person.
If, as soon as the other person starts talking, we start making snap judgments and emotional reactions while formulating our response, we will be stifling their ability to express themselves.
7. Don’t forget that you have the ability to replace your bad feelings with more positive ones.
When we are faced with a conflict that is too much to bear, it is helpful to remind ourselves that we are in control of our reactions. The other person is entitled to their own thoughts and feelings, and we can’t assume they share ours.
8. Turn the focus inward on yourself by shifting your perspective.
It is possible that we will not always be able to fathom the inner workings of other people’s behavior. Because of this, it’s easy to let our emotions cloud our judgment when interacting with them.
We may flip the problem around on ourselves by modifying our criteria and finding a solution that works for everyone.
Therefore, we can shift our focus from “That individual was very unpleasant to me” to “Maybe I’m going through a difficult moment. When I’m not feeling well, I make hasty, impulsive statements.
9. Listen to criticism without forming an opinion on the speaker.
One of the preconditions of showing respect is accepting the idea that other people are entitled to the same liberties we enjoy.
This involves appreciating their unique qualities rather than finding fault with them.
Taking people’s criticisms and comments less to heart will help us respect them more.
In spite of our allegiance to a particular set of beliefs, we have nothing against others who have different views.
No one should be expected to support our views unanimously.
However, if we can learn to tolerate one another’s differences, we may see that even if we disagree, there is room for multiple correct interpretations.
10. Maintain the flexibility to shift your thinking if things change.
Sometimes in the course of a discussion, we find out the hard way that we were wrong.
Recognizing this and refraining from vehemently defending our own mistaken beliefs exemplifies not only tolerance but also modesty.
It’s not easy to practice this part of ourselves, yet it makes us friendlier and more approachable.
11. Assess what in your life can cause you to be intolerant.
Examining our own lack of tolerance is the first step toward improving our tolerance.
Our perspectives may have been shaped by our upbringing or by the events of our lives.
If we think we’re always right, we need to look within and see if we’re actually right.
It takes a lot of patience to do this, especially when frustrating things keep happening.
If we receive a text message riddled with misspellings, for instance, instead of reacting impulsively, we can take ten seconds to ourselves, cool down, and recognize that the sender was probably not trying to provoke us.
Author Bio
I am Priya Varma, and I have been working as Content Writer at Rananjay Exports for past 2 years. My expertise lies in researching and writing both technical and fashion content. I have written multiple articles on Gemstone Jewelry like turquoise ring and other stones over the past years and would love to explore more on the same in future. I hope my work keeps mesmerizing you and helps you in the future.
