How strong are your opinions of others? Are they rock solid? Or do they change as life does? The Oxford Dictionary defines opinion as ‘a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.’ With that in mind, what types of opinions have you formed about those you are closest to? What about those you don’t know?

If you’ve read my post titled Why Is It So Easy Being Negative, you might remember that research has shown that humans tend to form negative opinions quicker than positive ones. Negative opinions also tend to last longer and it takes more work to turn a negative opinion into a positive one. If you’d like to know more about this topic specifically, the title above is a link to take you to that post.

However, I am going to stick to my main topic and ask you this. Which is more important, easily formed opinions or having legitimate feelings about others based on knowledge? Bit of a tricky question, huh? Well, opinions are important because they reflect how someone feels. But when you make judgments based on others opinions, you may be forming wrong or false opinions.

Think about it. Does your best friend or significant other or even family member agree with all the opinions you have formed on your own? And vice versa? Or, is it better to find out for yourself? Even with myself and this blog. Do you take everything I say at face value, or do you make your own decisions based on the information I give you?

Well believe it or not, pretty often people make judgments and even major decisions based on the opinions of those they trust. Now I’m not saying this is always a bad thing. Evolution of technology has made it so humans can form opinions in seconds. This helps because sometimes people are required to make quick decisions, and in order to do that, people have to form opinions based on information that is easily accessible.

But when can making judgments or decisions based on others opinions be harmful? Well, for example, say you hear some negative news about someone in the media. You might instantly start to form a negative opinion about them based on how they are being portrayed. Without further research and analysis, that opinion you just formed might not be accurate. And once a negative opinion is formed, it will take much more effort in order to turn it into a positive one.

Now let’s say you meet a new person. This is your first encounter with them, although your friend has met this person previously. In the brief encounter your friend had with this person, he or she has formed an opinion of them. If it is a negative opinion, you will most likely go into your first encounter expecting a negative experience. And I think we all know what happens when we expect a negative outcome.

If your friend, however, has formed a positive opinion of this person, then you will more than likely go into your first encounter expecting a positive experience. So then, how do you form legitimate feelings about others based on knowledge? Spend time with someone. Yes, it actually is that easy! After spending time with them, you make the sound decision that you either like them or don’t.

Also, just because your friend or significant other or sibling or whoever has a negative opinion about something or someone, doesn’t mean you have to feel the same. I mean, do you have the same taste in fashion, food, or even love as those closest to you? Yes, you may have many things in common, but you still have differences. There’s that saying I’m thinking of, you know how it goes…agree to disagree!

There are also times in which we form negative opinions based on our own experiences. We might let our experience with one person form an opinion about others like that person. Same goes for other things. Here’s what’s wrong with that. EVERYONE is different! You may like someone that your parents don’t approve of because maybe they had a negative encounter with someone like them. You may find interest in a hobby that your best friend can’t stand because maybe you like a type of sport that they have had a bad experience with.

So here’s what I’m asking of you. The next time you are about to have your first encounter with someone or something, please put any preconceived ideas (influenced by yourself or others) aside. Let yourself really get to know that person, or immerse yourself in that subject! Then make a judgment or decision based on how you really feel. It might be different than you thought.

Until next time, remember to have fun and make life as simple as could be!(:

XoXo-Branndolynne