Editorial: Use your personal interactions with people and not the opinions of others

There are times when you may be surrounded with people that do not associate well with others. Even family members are prone to tell you, “Don’t talk to so and so,” or “I wouldn’t catch myself near such and such.” With election season coming around, I thought I’d take something that will affect us during election year and apply it to a general concept.

Let’s face the fact that we’re going to interact with people every day. Let’s also come to the realization that we are not going to get along with other people. However, let’s hope that your opinion of someone is because of what somebody may have said or experienced.

Let your own interactions be what guides you to know somebody. There have been times when I was told not to talk to someone or even trust them because of an experience that I was not a part of. I’m the type of person that relies on my own intuition and let people dictate my opinion about them. I’m also not the person that likes to judge others, but I am not naïve when it comes to my surroundings and involvement. I always keep an open ear, observe with my eyes, and continue to enjoy my conversations with the people I talk to. I don’t’ let one mistake or slip-up dictate my opinion about them because we are all human. We all make mistakes and I am probably the one that is prone to making the most of them.

With general elections for Charles City and New Kent coming in at full force, there will be a lot of opinions floating around about candidates. The Chronicle has already began receiving “Letters to the Editor” about candidates. As an editor, I must read each one of them and take out any derogatory statements. Yes, a person may not approve of the candidate but degrading and demeaning their character is a personal opinion, not one of others.

Just like candidates, the general population is full of those who will approve or disprove of a character trait. When you meet someone or interact with them for the first time, let their actions do the talking and not be quick to judge. As humans, we should understand a person before deciding whether or not this is somebody I want to associate with.

Friendships and acquaintanceships will come and go, but it’s the way you respond to them that promotes your personal growth. A reflection of your surroundings and associating with one person that somebody else may not get along with could open doors for you. The path of your journey in life is your own, not your family or friends.