How to Be Tolerant of Others

At times, you may find yourself in situations where it's hard to tolerate the actions or words of others. Try to understand the background of each person and avoid making every issue a personal argument. You can develop a tolerant attitude by learning about different people, building your own confidence, and appreciating diversity.

Try to empathize. The first step in tolerating others in difficult situations is to try to empathize with them, attempting to see things from their perspective. You may have a different background and experiences than they do, so what seems obvious to you might be strange or unfamiliar to them.

Request an explanation. If you're conversing with someone and they say something you can't accept, you can seek to understand their point of view without anger or intolerance. Try to learn more about their perspective by asking them to explain.

Ignore your own differences. One way to handle difficult situations is to try to overlook differences. This is a more negative aspect of tolerance compared to learning to accept and value differences, but it can be very helpful. To do this, you should avoid certain conversation topics or change the subject when necessary.

Use 'I' statements instead of 'you'. If you find yourself struggling to maintain politeness during a conversation, avoid accusing or making conclusions about the other person. Use 'I' statements instead of 'you'. This helps reduce tension and might make you more open to their point of view.

Resolve conflicts. If you’re having trouble empathizing or ignoring a situation and find it difficult to tolerate, try addressing the issue by exploring possible solutions. If both people are good friends and don't want this to damage the relationship, both need to make an effort to find a solution. The parties involved should be ready to commit fully to the process.

Value Differences. An essential part of developing a more tolerant outlook is learning to appreciate and value differences. Those who value diversity and differences tend to be more tolerant of others and less stressed by ambiguity and uncertainty. Intolerance can simplify and narrow the constantly changing world, making it easier to understand by ignoring diversity and complexity.

Embrace Uncertainty. Research shows that intolerance towards ambiguity or uncertainty is a common trait of people who are less tolerant of others. Studies conducted in various countries suggest that nations with a higher acceptance of uncertainty tend to embrace opposition, tolerate deviation, are less afraid of risks, and are more positive towards the younger generation.

Learn About People and Cultures. A great way to become more tolerant is to equip yourself with knowledge about others and different cultures. Often, when people display intolerance, it's because they feel unfamiliar or uncertain about the actions or words of others. Take the time to learn about various cultures and belief systems. Don't hesitate to ask questions, but always maintain respect and courtesy.

Analyze Feelings of Intolerance. Understanding the context and origins of feelings of intolerance can help you recognize and challenge them. Reflect on the reasons you judge others based on past experiences. Were you raised with the belief that some people are inferior to you, or did you have negative experiences with a particular group? Diagnose why you feel this way about a specific group of people.

Cultivate Self-Esteem. Sometimes people who are unhappy or insecure tend to be intolerant of others. Intolerance reflects how a person feels about themselves. If you feel secure and confident about who you are, you will be more open and tolerant towards others.

Reflect on Strict Thoughts. A fun way to become more tolerant is to practice handling intolerant thoughts. This technique is often used by psychologists and has proven to be effective in addressing intolerance. It works on the principle that it's hard to maintain harsh thoughts, and making an effort to do so can help you manage difficult situations.