Although the hit TV series How I Met Your Mother aired its final episode a few years ago, the lessons I learned from the show still apply to my life. One lesson specifically relates to your relationships. Even if you are not in a dating relationship (like me), the olive theory can still help you in your friendships, future romantic relationships and interacting with other humans in general.
I haven't always been good at understanding or accepting other people's views, but watching a sometimes raunchy sitcom has changed me for the better. On the show How I Met Your Mother, Marshall Eriksen believes the strength of his marriage stems from the fact that he hates olives and his wife loves them. This does not mean that everyone should rely on silly little superstitions to evaluate the strength of their relationships (even though I do know that I love pickles and my bestie absolutely cannot stand them). It does mean that our differences can make us better and balance each other out.
Here's an absolute truth that everyone needs to learn and accept and cherish: we humans are all different. We were created to have unique and individual personalities, tastes, preferences, style, beliefs, views... the list goes on and on. So, chances are, you are bound to disagree with at least one person in your life.
Recently, there has been a distinct divide in this country. A multitude of disrespectful, hatred-filled and devastating events have rocked this nation. There is a mindset that has turned us against each other. We feel we need someone to blame and it is always easier to pin the fault on the other party, religion, authority figure or politician. This way of thinking is contagious and toxic. It has almost succeeded in gripping our nation in fear and utter disrespect for each other and each other's opinions, views and beliefs.
Your differences don't have to destroy. I'm here to tell you that the olive theory can change this negative mindset and help us understand, respect, and even embrace our differences. If you feel one way about an issue and a friend, co-worker, neighbor, grandma etc. feels a different way, this is not grounds to disrespect them or cut ties with said person. Rather, it is a chance for both of you to learn from each other and grow new perspectives.
I have many friends with whom I disagree. When I live by the olive theory, I choose to respect their viewpoints and know that they will respect mine as well. Our friendships are even stronger this way than if we agreed on every little detail.
I leave you with this challenge: keep the olive theory in mind the next time you see a tweet or post with which you disagree. Seek to understand. Learn to respect.
