Open Mindedness?

Question

I'm beginning to think that being too accepting can even have it's faults. I used to try to be more open minded in conversationa nd such, but people just seem to step on you for it and you get no respect unless you stand your ground more... it hardly makes sense. What are your thoughts? Is open mindedness wishy-washy or should you just find a perfect balance between standing your ground and respect?

Answer 1

I understand what you're talking about. If you stand your ground, people label you as closed-minded. If you listen, then they walk all over you.

Answer 2

You got it. Open-mindedness is the balance between respecting someone elses opinion and standing your ground. It is also being able to assimilate information and even change your opinion if you find information that forces that change. There are many people in this forum that refuse to be open-minded and seem to thrive on stepping on people.
I think that what you need to do is to substantiate your opinions with fact and then allow others to believe what they want. You can state your answers in such a way that people feel offended or decide to change.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Being open minded means you're ready to listen and give things a good thought, as opposed to insisting you're right no matter what and not really hearing others out. Being open minded doesn't mean you have to always agree with everything you hear or constantly change your opinions though. You can be open minded and still stand your ground in many cases, although you might change opinions occationally if you hear good arguments supporting the other side of the debate.

Answer 4

There's always a balance between being open-minded and standing your ground, whether you're religious and believe in god or not. If you're not religious, being too "open-minded" means you "accept" the wacky ideas people have about psycho-kinesis, astrology, UFOs, etc. -- all with no proof whatsoever of their validity, and tons of proof that there's nothing to them. The point is, you should be *tolerant* of anyone's belief, but make it clear that you are person who seeks TRUTH -- which means things that are provable to be correct or true, and not just any old wacky idea. Being tolerant and skeptical are good -- being fully "open-minded" means you'll listen to anything no matter how off-the-wall :)

Answer 5

Now I consider myself open minded. I'll will listen to what they have to say and try to put myself in there shoes. But sometimes you have to stand your ground, because what's right is right and what's wrong is wrong. People will still respect you if you stand your ground, as long as you don't judge and ridicule them.

Answer 6

The mind should be just open enough to let in outside ideas without letting the brain fall out.

Answer 7

being open minded does not mean you have to agree with everything,it just means that you realise there are different points of view. Actually listen to what others say and accept differences.

Answer 8

Yes. It means I'm open to anything and I don't really believe in anything. I'm open to the good and the bad, the innocent and the perverse. It literally means what ever. That just doesn't work in reality.

Answer 9

you should be open minded, listen to what anyone has to say to you and than judge it for yourself, don't judge the person just what they said, decide if that is something you are OK with and then ether stand your ground or continue listening... that's what i try to do.

Answer 10

Open minded does not mean you have no set values of your own, just that you are non judgemental about others beliefs and that you do not force yours on anyone. Be open to the possibility that they may have something of value to say but remain strong in your convictions.