Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

As humans we are a social species but that does not always make for a tranquil existence.

Everyone has their own set of quirks and flaws that make them unique, sometimes these are the very things that make coexistence  tricky, especially with others that have clashing quirks and flaws. Tricky but doable, even to the point of flourishing. There is evidence of it all around us.

In order to learn how to make the most of all the relationships in our lives,  I believe the key lies with how well we know ourselves. What makes us tick? Not one single human being is perfect, no matter what our mothers say. We are all made up of two halves, one we show to the world and our inner self, the person we are when no one is watching. Learning how to meld these two halves into, to coin Oprah Winfrey, your AUTHENTIC SELF, is a task that takes brutal honesty and inner scrutiny. The phrase has become popular for good reason, when you make peace with who you are you may find getting along with others easier to do because you will be more comfortable and confident with yourself. The opinions of others will be just that ... opinions. 

That is not to say you will sail through life with a smile on your face 24 hours of each and everyday, that my friends is not realistic. There will be conflict even with those close to us, after all how can we possibly know what lights the fire of those around us? What subjects will bring out irrational thoughts in others and make them lash out? Newsflash .... We can't! Once we come to terms with this it can sometimes make the conflict easier to resolve. Instead of trying to make others feel and believe as we do, we should be looking for ways to highlight a common ground to try and de-esculate the issue in question. Perhaps the hardest part is learning when to walk away or stay silent and not fall into a never-ending battle, learn to be the bigger person. 

Some people, even with the best of intentions, bring out the worst in each other, their true selves are polar opposites. That is ok, not everyone is meant to get along but we do need to co-exist. I have had to learn this the hard way, as I am a people pleaser by nature and it was hard to accept that no matter how hard I tried there are some people I will never win over. In turn there are people I have encountered that I cannot imagine breaking bread with and finding any enjoyment.

That said ... LIve life on your terms, be kind, and be true to you. Some people will resist you, others will embrace you but all of them are part if this adventure we call life.

Navigate wisely.