Lets be real, it is always difficult to hear someone else's opinion when it doesn't align with yours. This is something I struggle with on a weekly if not daily basis. Especially when the opinion I am sharing is something I explain with excitement. Though it is something I need to work on, because today we are living in what is an opinion driven atmosphere, it is still hard.

I find this extremely hard when people who have what I consider overbearing, overwhelming opinions. Yes I can tell a difference between opinions, and how the person is intending their opinion. There are so major individuals in my life that have this loud overwhelming opinion. These individuals tell their opinions in a way that makes it sound like there is no reason you should have your own opinion, nor should you voice this. Lets be honest most of us have these individuals in their lives. And if you can't think of anyone, chances are you are that person.

Don't get me wrong, I see myself as a pretty open person, and I'm usually willing to listen to others. But if you come at me with a body posture that is nothing but welcoming, chances are I am already closed off. If you go "mmmmm, I don't know about that and *insert your opinion" that isn't telling your opinion, that is belittling the other person, and making them believe their opinion doesn't matter. When you confront this person on how they present their opinion, they are always defensive and say "you need to take constructive criticism, and you need to be able to deal with others opinions." Both of those statements are true, but I wouldn't be talking to you if there wasn't something that you have said or done that hasn't come off in that light.

So I guess you need to take this "constructive criticism" and listen more to others, and then voice your opinion in a non overbearing, overwhelming way. Also you need to stop nick picking at every single thing that someone says. But us at the other end of this overwhelming person, need to know when to walk away and not deal with this toxic person anymore. So treat others the way they want to be treated, not the way you want to be treated because we are all different people. So stop and listen instead of forming your opinion in your head before the person finishes their sentence.