Dear: the one who asks, but not to actually listen, along with the one who talks just to hear their voice,
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found more people like you. And as I’m writing this, this is not to create a bigger problem, or me calling you out on all flaws, but rather, me voicing my thoughts. It’s me, writing to you, bringing up the fact there is a way to disagree without being disrespectful, manipulative or forceful. I understand that, especially with recent events, and even leaving those out of this letter, there are many different events going on in our world to have different opinions on. I also believe some of these events happening are something you, I and most others don’t have control over. We also may not know what’s happening, but if we are able to say/do something, then we have decisions to make. Those decisions sometimes are unanimous with other people around us, and sometimes they differ heavily. Whether it is the first, or the latter, you are entitled to your own opinion as much I, along with the next person. However, when that is taken farther than that of an opinion, it can become destructive. It becomes hate, slander, and can even become something that is alive, not just on a page, but out on the streets. I am a person and I may have the same values as the person sitting next to me on a bus who I've never met, but completely differing opinions as the family member conversing with me over dinner. That is okay, but when you make me feel like lesser of a person because you do not see me being any more than someone you don't agree with, it is hurtful and rude.
See me as me, not only my choices and my words, but see me. I am living, breathing and maybe I don't know everything, but I do know we are people in a time of confusion and differences and yet, we are all entitled to our own opinion. In saying all of this, I am definitely not saying to stop fighting for what you believe in or to stop defending your rights, but to fight equally. I'm okay to be on different pages, but I don't need your thoughts pushed into my head as being the only "correct" thoughts, nor do I need someone I thought I could trust wrapping their words around my neck as if it will help get the point across, and for me to finally listen and conform. Maybe when I was younger I was easy to push around, but now, nearing 20 years old and being able to develop my life including my particular and maybe slightly peculiar, conclusions, theories and way of life, the ever-increasing volume of your voice does not will me to stop.
I will keep developing as an individual, and your arguments may interfere, but I will move past them. My wish is to argue respectfully so it is fulfilling and there is something learned at the end, where I can grow from it; not harming one another with the use of powerful words. I don't want to hide behind words I don't mean just to hide myself from you. See me as me, and I will do the same for you.
Sincerely,
The Girl Who's Fighting for Her Opinions With a Shield Instead of a Sword
