Why Meeting New People Can Change Your Mind

In a French language class, a person from Russia shared surprising views on the Ukraine conflict. They believed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was at fault for not keeping promises to Russia. This led to a "limited, special operation" by Russia, as they saw it. The conversation was shocking, showing how people can have very different views on the same event. Living in a polarized world, it's easy to stick with people who think like us. It feels safe and comforting. But this can narrow our thinking and make us more divided. It's important to meet people who are different from us. This can happen through activities like sports, volunteering, or book clubs. These places let us see the full humanity of others, beyond just politics.To really diversify our social circles, we should join groups with people of different ages, backgrounds, and professions. This helps us build "weak ties, " which make us more resilient. If one group disappoints us, we have others to lean on. Places like the YMCA, community colleges, and libraries offer many chances to meet new people. Through shared interests, we can learn to appreciate people despite political differences. It's okay to disagree, but understanding where others come from is valuable. The key is to connect with diverse groups of people. This can start with local activities and holiday celebrations. By opening up to outsiders, we remember our shared humanity. This is the path to understanding and bridging differences.