I believe acceptance is the key to sustaining a successful relationship. We are all of the same species, but so widely different. Although most people flock to others with similar beliefs, we are still indifferent to each other in many aspects. I have a very eclectic group of friends, from one end of the spectrum to the other. Some are religious, some are not. Some have strong morals, and some have none. I am often referred to as the glue that holds our group together. When people question how I “can stand” being around that person and deal with them, my response is that we all have personality traits that others may find annoying. I try to understand the reasons behind people’s behaviors and am not quick to judge or make assumptions. Not everyone is going to like everything about an individual. Relationships take work and you have to decide whether or not certain unattractive characteristics of a friend or partner are able to be ignored. Or are your beliefs so deeply rooted that you cannot continue to entertain the relationship without sacrificing a part of yourself? More than often, I overlook insignificant quirks about a person that another would find vexing. If I were to dismiss every person that had personality traits that I didn’t like, I’d be left standing alone. I think being around people with occasional minor faults is better than being isolated.
Lack of acceptance is also influential in worldly disputes. So many arguments and conflicts occur due to lack of acceptance. I don’t believe a lifestyle should be dictated by government or society. Too much external involvement instigates hostility toward one another. If we could all live as individuals, and not be so concerned about what someone else believes, there would be less fighting amongst each other.
This is why I believe that people should be cautious about dismissing a friend, acquaintance, or even stranger, based on what one would consider a character flaw. If you can accept someone for who they are and look beyond their rough exterior you may expose something more meaningful within.