by Dolores Moore

Created on: February 02, 2009

As members of the human race, we are all different. Those differences are what make life so much more interesting - it would be a sad and boring existence if everybody looked the same, thought the same, behaved the same, and so on. We might as well be robots, if that were the case, just efficiently delivering the goods, no highs or lows, no disagreements, just plain bland. When it comes to getting along with people you dislike, that is the foremost thought to bear in mind.

Then ask yourself just what exactly it is you dislike about someone. Do you disagree with their political views, do you find their religious beliefs unacceptable, do you hate the way they dress, or do you consider their behavior inappropriate? As you think about the answers to these questions, or indeed any other "unlikable" aspects of the people you dislike, also think about your own traits that others may possibly find unlikable.

Once you recognize the truth of how differences can not only be interesting and annoying, and can bring about dislikes, then you are on your way to getting along with others who are definitely not going to be bosom buddies or pals. Acceptance that it is not the person, but their way of progressing through life that you dislike, is the first big step to getting along.

Knowing that, illustrated by the old adage "we are all human," is a great help when trying to get along with people you dislike. Because, under all the behaviors, beliefs, styles and prejudices, they are basically the same as you. Keeping this in mind, you are now equipped to temper your dislike with tolerance and a workable level of understanding that enables you to get along reasonably well.

You might also want to stock up on a few old cliches to keep at the back of your mind when dislike threatens to destroy communication. Things like "To each his own," and "That's an interesting idea..." or "It's not to my liking but I see what you mean," or "Whatever turns you on," these are a few good old stand-bys for dispelling awkward emotions. Always try to be non-confrontational and noncommittal; that way, you can keep your own principles without being unmannerly or showing your dislike.

That is the way to get along - with everybody. We are never, ever going to like everyone we come into contact with, simply because we are all so different. But hold fast to the idea of common humanity, which we all share. In that, you will find that no matter how much you dislike somebody, you can find something acceptable to connect with that helps dilute the dislike. Who knows, you might even find something to like!

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