Source of article 2's Company - Magnus Insights.

I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. This includes me. When conducting mock jury or other social psychological research, I almost always encourage the open expression of differing views by informing our research participants that “There are no wrong opinions or points of view.” I know some people who enjoy verbal sparring, however, I am not among them. I was brought up by loving parents who allowed me the freedom of sharing my point of view. They did not try to dissuade me, scold me, or tell me my opinion was wrong on the numerous occasions it differed from theirs. Whenever someone drones on and on about their opinion, which differs from mine, I used to say, “Whatever floats your boat.” Said with a smile, that is usually sufficient to stop the seemingly endless debate, usually about a topic about which I am not too concerned. I recently learned a new twist on this old saying and I am trying to work it into my repertoire. When, for example, someone tries to persuade me to like their favorite band more than my favorite band (The Beatles, of course!), I now say, “Whatever frosts your cupcake.” This usually results in an astonished look on their face and reminds both of us that neither of us is likely to change the mind of the other. It is perfectly fine to have an opinion, a belief, and a perspective on the way things are or should be, as long as one realizes that not everyone shares this view. The ability to understand other people’s perspectives, that is, to be able to “walk in someone else’s shoes” is something that does not usually come naturally for most of us, but with a little effort toward the promotion of harmony, almost anyone can do this. Now I am ready for a cupcake!