Yes, I have an opinion. Does that mean I’m right and you’re wrong? No. What it does mean is that we have a starting point for a conversation.
I have been told before that I am opinionated and oftentimes in a way that makes it sound like a four letter word. What I would like to clarify is that having an opinion is not the same as having an answer. Answers are either correct or incorrect while opinions are based on your beliefs and experiences.
If I were to say to you that it’s my opinion that tulips are the best flower, yet you thought that daisies were, then we would be able to have a discussion about flowers and what characteristics of flowers make for great flowers. This conversation would be friendly and constructive because it’s not about proving who’s opinion is right or wrong, but rather about explaining the rationale behind your opinions.
There is no question “What is the best flower?” because that’s not really a question. Best for what? for whom? We can’t treat it as a question with a single answer because the question isn’t even a qualified question.
I enjoy conversations where I can discuss topics with somebody who doesn’t share my exact point of view. They open my eyes to other possibilites, to other opinions and beliefs. I’d like to hear your opinion and have a discussion about what’s driving your opinion because maybe you’ll teach me something that I don’t know or give me reason to modify my opinions. If anything, we’ll have had a great conversation and know just a little bit more about each other.