‘Open-Minded’ To People Who Behave Badly

Unsplash — Gemma Evans

I disagree that I should be ‘open-minded’ to people who behave badly.

I think that there is room to understand why people lash out.

There should be room in us to understand why some people can’t get themselves away from drinking and/or abusing drugs, or attacking vulnerable people. I agree that we should take time to know where these people come from.

I don’t have the patience to deal with people who greatly agitate me. When people don’t do what I ask of them, it’s not okay for you to respond to me by saying that I should be ‘open-minded’ and ‘accepting’ when I am refused by them. I don’t agree that I should be ‘open-minded’ about people being lazy and never pulling their weight. Why can’t I expect to get any assistance around the house, or earning income? I don’t find it acceptable for one or two people living together with me to not do their part. I think that you are asking me to keep quiet and just do everything for these people; you’re asking me to spoil them.

I don’t understand your point about not explaining to them the importance of being helpful and considerate.

You keep telling me that they wouldn’t understand. Why won’t you work together with me to explain to them that they can’t expect not to carry out daily tasks like being rung up at the cash register, or…