These days, it may be hard to think and be "open-minded" towards different opinions and perspectives. I quite frequently observe many of my friends and family clashing over ideas, unable to open their minds to new concepts and opinions. Even strangers are clashing over ideas these days, frequently leading to insults, bitterness and the inhibiting quality of closed-mindedness.

Why is this closed-mindedness bad for our society? Well, it inhibits our ability to learn new things and grow as people, mentally, emotionally and psychologically. By criticizing other's opinions and new ideas, we shrink our mental capacity to become better and smarter in subjects that are important, for example, politics, women's health, etc. I see a lot of criticizing and fighting over women's health rights and politics. Many pit each other as "liberals," or "lib-tards," "conservatives," "abortion-lovers," etc. These are all stereotypes that destroy our ability to understand one another and debate in a safe and logical way. By lashing out with inaccurate stereotypes and insults toward new ideas and opinions, we shrink our ability to become rational human beings.

In a time of clashing opinions and ideas, here are six steps I constantly use to do my best to be (and stay) open-minded.

Step 1

Listen to others people's opinions. Listen actively. Ask questions to confirm their opinion and repeat it back to them to make sure you understand it. Even if you don't like their opinion, or if it clashes with yours, do your best to actively listen. Nod, ask questions and don't interrupt.

Step 2

Listen more. Engage them with more questions to better understand them. Ask if any personal experience may have shaped their opinion. The more you know why they think that way, the better.

Step 3

Debate a little. Tell them your opinion and why you think that way. Maybe see if there's a rational answer to the debate, or how both of you could work together to better educate others.

Step 4

Listen actively, again, it's normal to feel biased, but do your best to understand their point of view.

Step 5

Become enlightened. You have just gained a new perspective on an issue. Knowledge is power. You are now powerful. Even if you don't fully understand their opinion, acknowledge it and go home and ponder more.

Step 6

Have some wine and cheese and put on Netflix and enjoy your new knowledge. Maybe go shoot some hoops or go get froyo.

I have found this summer that many of my opinions clash with many of my friends' opinions. Many of us have discussed these clashing opinions and sometimes we have found answers, and other times haven't. However, I think that if we, as a society, are able to gain new, differing perspectives on issues, that we become better as a whole. I have heard the saying that "ignorance is bliss," and while ignorance may be good sometimes, I find that this ignorance leads to these battles over important topics and leads us to stereotype and, perhaps, to dislike the other side more often than not.

**Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know, the more enlightened you become, and the more peaceful you may become. Or the more confused. Sometimes there are no answers, but you may be better informed and able to make a logical decision that's best for you.