When encountering ideological differences, instead of debating or judging, actively cultivate curiosity by asking others about the origins of their opinions and sharing your own stories, as this fosters appreciation and connection across divides.
Take the powerful first step of putting your guard down, being vulnerable, and listening to others, as this often encourages them to reciprocate, leading to mutual understanding and connection.
In intergroup interactions, focus on engaging with the actual person in front of you rather than relying on preconceived ideas or stereotypes, as this common mistake significantly escalates conflict.
Prioritize caring for others, as data indicates that empathic actions are a vital way to care for yourself, leading to increased happiness, reduced stress, and lower rates of depression.
When feeling overwhelmed or short on personal time and energy, intentionally choose to help someone else, as this counterintuitive action can lead to feeling energized rather than depleted.
Actively identify and be aware of the cognitive errors your mind makes, particularly in intergroup contexts, as recognizing these mistakes is a crucial step toward finding solutions and increasing happiness.
Make a conscious commitment to being kinder to others to actively combat societal divisiveness and the increasing sense of disconnection, viewing it as a deliberate ‘war for kindness’.
Understand that it is acceptable to manage your emotional energy and bandwidth, and you are not obligated to connect with or empathize with individuals expressing hateful or awful things, especially when it is emotionally exhausting.