We all have beliefs, values and ideas that are fundamental to us and on which we cannot imagine compromising. 

We believe that, without a doubt, these beliefs and values are sound and that, once they come to their senses everyone will agree. However, there are times that we need to spend time with people who do not share our convictions. 

We could argue about our political opinions, our religious beliefs or life values. If the conversation brushes these subjects, it will quickly turn into an argument. No one feels heard or respected. There will be those who end up feeling angry, confused or hurt. 

We need to ask whether it pays us to make ourselves miserable to defend our beliefs.  Rather than seeking to preserve the virtuousness of our values at all costs, shouldn’t we be taking more care of the person standing beside us? Is it not better to be happy together than be right on our own? 

Trying to convince someone to adopt our views is egoistic of us. Even if we are proven right in the end, our pride will not let us rest and will seek a new argument to cling to. 

Maturity comes with experience. A particular lesson about maturity is that we should not take our ideas too seriously and we need to learn to rein in our pride and consider the wider picture out there. 

Being proven right is not as important as being happy with the people around us.