Although I'm the youngest in my family, I've always taken the mediator role. In most senses of the word, I am in the middle. While my sisters are more polarized in their tastes and views, I often like both or see both of their reasoning. It is interesting to me that I find this both a point of pride and of alienation.
I used to be insecure about my inability to choose (I sincerely like both! Candy AND chocolate; Clubs AND sports; Rom/Coms AND Mysteries etc.) I once got called out by a guy who told me that I'm always on the fence about things. This was startling to me because I hadn't ever thought of it that plainly. You see, I'm not unable to make decisions, rather it is just harder for me to choose than some. Often it's deciding between two 'likes'. So while some may say 'on the fence' or 'indecisive', others say 'well-rounded' or 'able to see both sides of the point' (thanks mom!)
Everything in moderation though. Life is about choices, and I've gotten better at making them along the way. Even if you like both, you can't have it all. Eventually you have to choose.
I used to feel on the fence about a lot of things, (I might still be) but I`ve found that as I had more first-hand experiences with whatever I`m considering, I began `choosing sides.` (Although, that`s never stopped me from switching sides when the evidence leads me there, lol.) I agree that there are advantages and disadvantages to being well-rounded-slash-on-the-fence-slash-being-objective(??) about things, but I think people eventually settle down into their little niche of opinions (unless we`re completely indifferent to the issue - there`s no shame in that...usually). As frustrating as that can be sometimes (everyone should agree with *my* ideas and I should be able to persuade them to believe me!!!) I think its good and important that we have strong convictions. Otherwise we wouldn`t have the diversity and complexity that exists in the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Isn't there a saying, "if you don't stand for anything, you fall for everything" ? With good reason too. Having convictions is essential.
ReplyDeletelol, I only know that quote because I heard Star Jones saying it.
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