When you are angry at a person, do you ever think what it would be like if you had held his/ her belief?

Question

system, had his/ her life experiences and been born with his/ her genes?

Pixie- If your head is NOT like concrete, wouldn't you try to discuss your side with your brother like you do with your my nearest and dearest friends. Couldn't you say to him that you want him to "understand where you are coming from"?

Answer 1

If I strongly disagree with someone my first impulse is to feel angry and to think that person is an idiot or has not used his head in coming to his opinion.

However, I really do try to consider why that person thinks the way they do, including their background, political or religious persuasion, etc. This at least lessens my anger and I try to be logical and keep the interaction civil and respectful. If I can see there is no way to reasonably discuss the issue with that person, I will completely change the subject, or find someone else to talk to.

I try to treat everyone with respect, because that is the way I would want to be treated. That's basically the Golden Rule, and it is a wonderful moral guideline that allows us all to function successfully together in a civilized society.

Answer 2

I always try my best to. If I've asked them their reasons why and they cannot convince me otherwise then thats when I remain angry.(eventually look back with indifference if things remain as they are) My brother angered me 4 years ago and unfortunately the situation hasn't been resolved. He hurt me deeply and all I need is a sincere sorry from him. It may appear petty but I assure you is far from it. The whole family blame me. I will not discuss the reasons/situation with any of them but they assume it's all my fault. He needs to learn how to treat others and I'm sure he regrets his actions. I have discussed my situation with my nearest and dearest friends and they agree and understand. I'm disappointed and used to the way things are but sometimes one needs to assert them self. His point of view all those years ago was selfish/shallow/wrong/disrespectful/agressive.

Answer 3

I actually had thought of this before when I get mad at my longtime girlfriend...
We have arguments and fights over stupid things that we disagree on, and I often wonder, what would it be like if I was like her???

I always wonder why I would think like her and hold strong to her beliefs...
I realize though, that if I were like her, I would be worse off in my life because she has so many more physical and mental problems than I do...

I am disabled as well, but not too much where I cannot accomplish things I want to get done...
She needs help with everything from grocery buying to laundry to house cleaning and cooking...

She told me her only Christmas present was someone cooked her a whole meal to eat...
All I could think of is how selfish that no one gave her a gift...
Then I realized that the gift for her WAS someone who cooked for her when they knew it hurts for her to stand and cook...
I cannot do these things to help because we live in different states...

So it is all perspective in how you look at things...
Never take your good health for granted...