It’s interesting to consider that when you disagree with someone, the person you are disagreeing with is every bit as certain of his or her position as you are of yours. Yet we always take sides — our own! Practice being a good listener. It doesn’t make you weak. It doesn’t mean you are not passionate about your beliefs, or that you are admitting that you are wrong. You are simply trying to see another point of view — you are seeking first to understand. When you understand other points of view, several things can happen. First, you could learn something new and expand your horizons. Second, when the other person feels listened to, he or she will appreciate and respect you far more than when you habitually jump in with your opinion. A side benefit is that the person you are talking to may be willing to listen to you. One thing is guaranteed — if you don’t listen first, no one will.