When I was growing up, having a political conversation in public was simply taboo. Those conversations were viewed as just too sensitive, too personal a topic to discuss outside the home. Now, we freely discuss our views on these personal topics not just with our friends and neighbors, but openly to anyone who will listen (thanks Facebook). I think despite all of the philosophical disagreements, this communication is a good thing – so keep listening.

We've had periods of divisiveness in America before, times that I am almost certain were much more polarized than we are now. (Think: Civil War, Great Depression, Red Scare, Civil Rights, Vietnam, Watergate, Lewinsky, Bush Wars.) In fact, looking through a historical perspective, the dissension we see today is relatively insignificant compared to some of our nation’s darkest hours.

However, one thing is clear: Americans are more divided along ideological lines than at any point in the last 20 years. What I find most troubling with our current schism is the unequivocal loyalty to our political party’s ideological platform. According to a Pew Research report, “The overall share of Americans who express consistently conservative or consistently liberal opinions has doubled over the past two decades from 10% to 21%.” In other words, one in five Americans seem to have lost the ability to find middle ground. They have neglected one of America’s greatest qualities – its ability to ‘compromise.’

One in five people seem to have closed their minds, and I can understand why with the type of rhetoric we have today. Regardless, there’s already too much divide for you to drown out others’ opinions. As difficult as it may be, we should make a conscious effort to listen to those who don’t agree with us. Only if for the very fact that our country is so polarized, the importance of listening to each other should not be overlooked.

I know how discouraging it can be to scroll through your timeline and see some of the incendiary comments your friends choose to share. But, at least for the large part, you’re friends with these individuals for a reason. Although you may disagree with a friend or neighbor, there’s at least one common attribute you share with that person. (Hint: how you know each other). A political discussion is best initiated by first listening to what others have to say, and then finding common ground.

So let’s not write people off as being “too sensitive” or “cold-hearted.” Let’s listen to what they have to say, even if they choose to use a dialogue that might not be welcoming or open to consideration. I’m not saying that those who decide to use bombastic phrases and dramatic colloquialisms deserve to have their opinions heard without any rebuttal or respectful confrontation. But perhaps the more we listen, the more we will understand their opposing views. We cannot all seek to impose our opinions on everyone we meet, and I think sometimes we may lose sight of that (I know I sometimes do). So the next time you decide to share your opinion, which of course you absolutely should, maybe take a step back and listen to others before you do. Who knows? Maybe we’re not as divided as we think we are? Maybe we just aren’t listening enough.