As people, there are a lot of things we can tolerate. They can range from injustice to hate to anything in the world. Tolerating things is something we are bred to do. It's a part of life where others will inevitably do or say something we don't like. Tolerating others isn't something we are born with. We learn it as life goes on.
At some point, it has to stop.
While it is okay, and very important, to tolerate someone else's beliefs, life choices, etc., we must reach a point where we respect ourselves to say that enough is enough.
One thing we must stop tolerating is disrespect.
Disrespect gets people nowhere. The problem when is comes to (dis)respect, is that there is a beliefs that we must like someone to respect him/her. That isn't remotely true. You can despise a person's soul, but you must still respect them. A mutual respect between enemies can get them both through life without intense conflict or interaction.
A lot of times we disrespect those we love and don't realize it. As an example, if there is something someone does not want to tell you, don't get upset. Don't make them feel bad about it. Don't try to guilt them into telling you. That isn't respect. Someone else's business is just that, their business. You don't deserve an explanation because the person is your boyfriend/girlfriend/best friend.
We must also stop tolerating not only the disrespect that occurs towards us, but also towards others. Stand up for those not brave enough to stand up for themselves. There is something called bystander behavior. Bystander behavior occurs when a person does not speak up during a negative situation of some sort due to the fact they believe someone else would do it.
Don't be that person.
Don't keep your mouth shut because you think someone else will speak up. Be the person that speaks up. Be the person that a younger version of yourself would look up to. It could be as simple as stepping in when a child is being picked on by someone else.
Don't ignore the bad things people do to others.
Don't ignore someone hurting others because it makes your life easier.
Before any of this happens, we must first learn to respect ourselves. That isn't to take aim at the way people dress, the amount (or gender) of sexual partners. That is to say that we must take responsibility for ourselves and our actions. We must be honest with ourselves and others as often as possible. Once we start from within, anything is possible.
Before any of this happens, we must learn the importance of loving our fellow man. You don't have to like someone to love them. Even if it isn't an individual, love humanity as a whole. Love humanity enough to know that things do get better. Love humanity enough to know that we can love and respect each other while simultaneously having opposing views. Love humanity enough to acknowledge the struggles someone else has been through and not letting it hinder their success.
Love humanity enough to realize that all humanity really needs is love.
