We have all had debates with others in our lives about a variety of topics throughout 2016. Why have people come to be so sensitive over other people's opinions. I, myself, have gotten extremely frustrated over someone else's opinion and how it differs from mine... but why?

As a society, why should we want everyone to think the same way? Our individuality would be taken away and there would be no room for us to grow at all intellectually. Through debates with friends, family and in the classroom or workplace over controversial topics, we learn new facts and understand why people think the way they do. The things that the other party brings to the table about the said topic, whether it be their experiences that lead them to feel that way or if it aligns with the beliefs they were brought up with, they could sway your decision. The same way what you bring to the conversation could sway theirs.

If we all have the same ideas and values, nothing would progress. We need a variety of ideas for things to change in society. If the values and beliefs of those who lived 200 years ago stayed the same and never began to progress; there would still be slavery in America today, the women's rights movements wouldn't have happened, and same sex marriage would never have been legalized.

If you do not agree with someone's opinion, just take the time to listen to their side and their justifications. Listen to understand, not speak. By the end of the conversation you might have opened their eyes to a new idea. It's okay for opinions to change. It's a part of life. Your ideas can stay consistent throughout your life or they could begin to change with time and experience. Every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. What you learn could strengthen your beliefs or even flip your beliefs.

When you're having a tough debate with a friend, family member, classmate or colleague; just remember it's okay to have varying opinions.