“I Never Asked You.” (A Blog On Opinion)

Have you ever received an unwanted comment?

 “Your hair looks weird today”, “I don’t think that top fits you right”, “Why are you so grumpy today?”… did I ask for your opinion? No, I don’t recall asking you, thank you very much.

So, here it is, a blog on the idea of an opinion.

So what is in an opinion?

By definition an opinion is a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. Thank you, Google. Let’s summarise; an opinion is a singular view not based on fact. So, if these statements are not based on fact, do they really matter? Are they worth saying? And, should we leave our ears open for these comments? There is a quote from Ginni Rometty which perfectly sums up my opinion (great choice of word, huh?) on the topic of opinion.

“I ask everyone’s opinion when they don’t speak up. And then when they have an opinion, I’ll ask others to talk about it.”  

People who reserve judgment usually have more thought-out, and perfected perceptions. If someone is constantly pitching in their opinion, are they seeking attention, or are they arrogant in their ways. I want to make a point there is a different between arrogant opinion, and confident opinion. Remember that your opinion will more often than not, be rejected by the person you are passing it to, unless you speak at the perfect time.

So what would arrogant opinion be? Say someone is having a chat about religion – you have every right to pitch in, but will it add to the conversation if you are disagreeing? If you say Buddhism is a hoax, and the conversing person is a sole-believer, should you really tell them they’re wrong? Not really. Certain opinions – especially those disregarding a person’s way of life – should not be shared. Keep it to yourself.

Confident opinion is very near the same but with an element of respect. With confident opinion, we wisely choose our timing and our topics to place judgement upon. When we are confident in our views, we don’t need them to be heard. We find satisfaction in not agreeing without saying so out loud.

“Your opinion is your opinion, your perception is your perception–do not confuse them with “facts” or “truth”. Wars have been fought and millions have been killed because of the inability of men to understand the idea that EVERYBODY has a different viewpoint.” – John Moore

As much as I write about this topic, nothing is going to stop people from commenting on other’s lives whether asked or not. So, if you receive unwanted comments from someone – whether it be about your attire, something you’ve said, or something completely irrelevant – let it go, and tell yourself: Everyone is entitled to an opinion. 

I’m sure a few of you reading this are probably thinking something along the lines of “What if someone has to hear it?” – that your wise words will help them in some way? I see where you’re coming from. I still stand by the ideology that people live individual lives, and along with this, comes figuring things out for yourself. Look back at that quote from our lady, Ginni. If someone wants your opinion, they will ask. Same for you, if you want a external view on an internal situation, you’ll ask.

Please feel free to comment down below. I would like to ask you for your opinions on opinion, and also ask why you think what you do.