One of our biggest problems as a nation is that people are no longer people. Yes, you heard me right. We are democrats or republicans. We are our skin colors. We are gay or straight. We are no longer people. Most would argue that the seven gates of hell opened up during 2016. I don't wish for the same during 2017. I am finding ways to reflect on this year and find ways I need to improve myself. Maybe if we all did this the world would be a better place. So here’s a few tips on how to make your way in the world a little easier. Here is how to be friends with those who are different than you.

1. Listen With an Open Mind

Oh man. This is the big one. Instead of pushing your views down the throat of your “opposite”, perhaps take a few moments to listen to their thoughts and feelings? You'd be surprised how much you learn. Now before I step on toes, let me clarify--I'm not telling you not to be strong in your beliefs--I'm simply asking you to listen with your TWO ears and speak with your ONE mouth. For example, I am not apart of the LGBT community. I truly believe I don't have the right to tell them how to feel, because I have no idea what it feels like to be them. Again, I'm not saying they are right or they are wrong. But I do know that as a Christian, God tells me in Mark 12:31, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these”. So what am I as a Christian going to do? I am going to love and not condemn. I think we forget that we sin too. I know I am covered in sins and not half of the person I should be, it is not for me to point fingers at someone else. Listening is the first step to accepting and loving. No one will open up to you if you show them hate and judgment, that will only push them further away.

2. Respect and Accept

Can you imagine a world we're everyone was exactly the same? Take a minute and think about seven billion clones of you. Now think about how beautiful diversity is. Think about how you get to learn everyday because someone is differently than you. You learn different outlooks on life, you hear different stories. Now that is what I dream of. A world where everyone looks at each other’s differences and instead of judging, takes a moment to learn from them. What we all need to realize is that we aren't always right. Someone can also think differently than you and not be wrong. Everyone interprets things differently, again, that is the beauty of different. It is okay to be different.

3. Step Back and Remember Who You Are In The World

Along with your “opposite”, you are someone’s child, sibling, parent, friend, loved one, etc. before you are anything else. You are all of these things before you are your political beliefs, sexuality, or race. It is crucial that you realize this before you begin even trying to get someone to understand or accept your beliefs, approach them as their friend or relative instead of as an enemy. Don't turn friends and relatives into enemies over different views. I promise you it is not worth it. If you treat people differently because they aren't the same as you, you are the problem.