JuliesBits 🇺🇲 🍑 on Nostr: Seems there is a fine line between respecting someone's opinion and being non ...

Seems there is a fine line between respecting someone's opinion and being non judgemental and allowing someone to spew bad information and falsehoods. I struggle with this.

But lately, I am inclined to stand firm in disagreeing when I hear people say things that are just wrong. I have had a few heated discussions with close friends who have believed these falsehoods. It has been so painful and jeopardized some long friendships but I have seen these friends step back, think through my arguments and begin to change their thinking.

I have to believe that most people are good and are genuinely concerned about themselves and others. Their bad decisions and beliefs are often the result of passively being exposed to bad information and in not critically questioning these sources of information. When I confront their opinions and question where they are getting their information, they often just don't know what to say to me because they often don't know why they believe what they believe.

I've never been confrontational and have generally avoided confrontation most of my life. I've been the peace maker who went along with others to get along and keep the peace. So when I push back now it is shocking to my friends and family (and to me too at times) but I'm finding that most of them stop and listen to me. For me, it requires a step forward in courage to move out of my comfort zone. But it is so important now that we stand up against all these wrongs and falsehoods.

My recent experience with breast cancer has shown me that I can be courageous and so I stand up against the falsehoods, even when a long held, cherished friendship is jeopardized.