We have all heard the phrase, “Why can’t they be civil?”
It is a normal question to ask when some folks respond to a pleasant greeting with an unkind remark instead of a friendly or civil response.
Immediately, the friendly greeter will become apprehensive and cautious.
This usually ends potential conversation, leaving the greeter and the responder both in a depressed and combative mood.
The same can be achieved when two individuals discuss a topic, such as politics or religion and allow their emotions to surface.
Naturally, not everyone will share the same opinion on any given topic. That is because each one of us is individualistic in our thoughts and opinions. That is a good thing.
It is a wise person who looks for pros and cons on any subject and arrives at a conclusion, yet knows that someone else might do the same and have an alternate view.
This forms the basis for a civil discussion, no matter the subject.
It is quite possible that two people with opposing views might achieve agreement after listening to each other, by combining areas of agreement and arriving at a decision that is fair to both.
Unfortunately this form of civil discourse is completely absent in the halls of Congress and at our own Capitol in Madison.
However, that has been quite obvious for some time and indicators show little chance of improvement
For the rest of us, there is always an opportunity to agree to disagree. This we can do in an atmosphere of friendship and good will.
The secret is to keep a smile in our voice along with a smile on our face. Sincere attitudes are contagious and help form good relationships in both the home and work place.
So keep a smile in your greeting and you will receive one in return, because a happy frame of mind builds civil conversations and civil solutions to problems.