Love Your Foe

There are many ways to show love. We kiss our significant others, we hug our parents and children, we even snuggle our pets. Shouldn't we show everyone the consideration we would show these people? Even the people we may not like or agree with. I understand that there are differences and disagreements between people, forms, chat rooms, and blogs. But that does not mean that we should treat each other rudely. The best way to show love to a person that you don't like, or that does not like you is by showing them respect, even when they show you none in return. Understand, I'm not saying that one should sit and take hate aimed in their direction. Always stand up for what you believe in, but don't fight hate with hate, it will lead you both nowhere. If you are being treated badly by someone else then you most go by the old saying “Be the Bigger Man”. Show them that there is another way, through your actions and how you handle the situation.

Refrain from cursing when you responded to anything. Not only does cursing make the situation more uncomfortable. It shows immaturity, and takes away from your statement. Most people will not take a person seriously when they've posted a comment filled with curse words; to them your words have no meaning. I am not saying that one should never curse. Cursing is usually acceptable when one is joking or, of course, when shocked! But to curse out of anger is the one thing that you must try to avoid. The one good thing about the internet is that you can almost always go back in to your comments and take out the hate before you posted them, unlike speaking. (One must be especially careful when having voice conferences!) After you've typed something out, think about what you are saying. Reread it. Ask yourself what your comment will do. Will it create love? Is it showing hate?

Refrain from accusing a person of doing something or being something before you have solid proof of what you are saying. Too often, we make accusing statements we can't back up. I assure you that this will only do more harm. Again, it’s all in the way one word things. You can say something one way and show love, but if you say it in another, you show hate. For instance, maybe someone has told you something and you're finding it hard to believe. You can call them a liar, accusing them of something without proof or you can say: 'I'm not sure I can believe this story'. This statement doesn’t accuse anyone of anything; you’re simply stating your opinion: You personally don't believe this person, but you're not degrading, or bashing them.

Always allow people to say what they need to say. Many times I have seen a person cut off by harsh words and comments before they've been given the chance to say their bit. No matter your opinion, they have the right to speak their mind as much as you do. Let them speak, soon they will tell you all you need to know, and that gives everyone the chance to determine for themselves if they think the statement is true.

After you've said your opinion about someone, don't keep going back and adding more and more to it. If you must give your option on something, try to say what you want in one post, or all at once, and then leave it alone. It's unhealthily, and simply rude, to keep attacking someone or something you don't like. You must remember that these are real people out in Internet-Land, with real emotions. They feel pain and anger the way you do, but the last thing you need to do is cause more hate. Give your option only so that people know where you stand, never to bring the person posting down. It doesn't matter how mean, or unlikeable a person is, everyone has a right as a human to be respected.