Acceptance is the capacity to recognize that others have a right to be their own distinctive individuals. That entails having the freedom to express one’s own emotions, ideas, and opinions. You give up trying to change someone when you accept them for who they are. You give them the freedom to think and feel how they want and to differ from you. In some way or another, everyone is unique. You can stop attempting to mold them into the people you desire and begin accepting them for who they are once you are aware of this truth.
When people behave differently than we do, accepting their feelings can be challenging. Accepting people who are different can be difficult for all of us. We can better understand ourselves and those who are different from us if we develop the ability to empathize.
7 Ways to Accept People for Who They Are
Don’t Try to Control the Feelings of Others.
Have you ever attempted to assist someone else with a problem they were experiencing but felt that you were unable to make an impact despite your best efforts? Maybe you tried to get them to “see things your way,” or “think more rationally.” They ultimately were unable to change their minds and adopt your viewpoint. I’m sorry to break it to you, but your method of helping them—rather than the people you were trying to help—was the issue.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to feelings. You must therefore accept other people’s feelings rather than trying to change or control them. People must be allowed to express their emotions without being told what those emotions should be. People with empathy recognize that emotions are difficult to control and accept others’ emotions for what they are.
Allow Others to Be Different.
How monotonous would life be if everyone in the world was exactly like everyone else? If everyone had the same appearance, personality, interests, and life experiences, we would quickly grow bored with them. Fortunately, each of us has a distinctive set of traits that set us apart. Even though we are aware that these differences are advantageous, occasionally we find them unsettling. People who are different from us are either avoided or ignored, or we attempt to change them.
Empathy entails accepting these distinctive differences with an open mind. Challenge yourself to get to know someone better the next time you are with someone who seems to be your polar opposite. Learn more about him or her, and you’ll feel that you’re not as different from them as you might have thought at first after the conversation. You’ll feel more connected to the individual, which will enhance your capacity for empathy.
Give Thoughtful Advice.
Giving thoughtful, valuable advice will be easier once you understand that everyone has the right to their own feelings and that everyone is different. Have you ever tried to talk to others about your issues only to get bad advice in return? You question whether they even paid attention to what you had to say as they respond in such a way. Although they may have been paying attention, those people’s responses lacked much thought. Or, they interfered with your feelings out of selfishness. You need to develop the ability to give advice in a way that respects the special emotions, traits, and personalities of other people if you want to demonstrate empathy.
Don’t Be Quick to Judge.
It’s simple to criticize others and find their flaws in them. Inadvertently passing judgment on and making criticisms of others is a common occurrence. To emphasize the positive aspects of each person is a more difficult and compassionate response. When we accept people for who they are, we are acknowledging that they are doing the best they can under the circumstances. Always keep in mind that they would improve if they could.
Try Not to Compare.
Learning not to compare is the key to accepting people for who they are. Comparing two distinctive people is like comparing apples and oranges. We all do it, which is a shame. We evaluate ourselves against others and evaluate others against a predetermined standard. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “The thief of joy is comparison.” He meant that if we constantly compare ourselves to others, there will always be someone who is better, smarter, or richer, and we will never be happy. Instead, we must acknowledge that every person has a unique life path.
Keep these five techniques in mind the next time you have trouble accepting someone. Utilizing them will make it easier for you to empathize and relate to the subject. It is possible to develop the habit of accepting others once you practice it. Additionally, you will develop into a happier, more upbeat person once you make acceptance a habit.
Respect Their Beliefs and Acknowledge Their Opinions.
You don’t always have to hold the same beliefs and hold the same opinions. You should have the right to define the world how you see fit and to respond to it as the unique individual that you are.
Understanding that you will always disagree with someone on not just one, but many issues and that this is okay is essential to accepting them for who they are.
Embrace Curiosity and Patience Yet Acknowledge Emotion.
Values are a “big” word as values are intricately linked to our self-concept and identity. In addition to recognizing and frequently embracing differences, curiosity seeks understanding. Values discussions will almost certainly still involve emotion, but by acknowledging it and choosing to lead with curiosity, you can keep the lines of communication open.
When handling emotions, patience is also needed because we often want to speak up, interrupt others, or voice our opinions. Avoid giving in to that urge and let everyone speak their truth. Wait for the chance to share yours while exercising patience. Everyone can learn something in the middle.
Final Thought: A Special Power
It’s crucial to have the capacity to accept others for who they are rather than what you would like them to be in order to maintain healthy relationships, act professionally at work, and have a positive impact on those around you.
Making a connection with someone you accept for who they are and who you accept for who they are has a special power.