Do opposites attract?  Or, do they divide? I think that both can be true.  In the current political atmosphere, there is much evidence that there is far more division today than in any other part of my lifetime.  It is disturbing to me personally, but I believe that it is a damaging force that affects everyone.

In the past, I remember the positive phrase was used to describe physical attraction between members of the opposite sex.  It was also a way of defining friendships, or even people who differed ideologically and enjoyed arguing or debating one another.

Opposite points of view are valuable tools in decision-making and peacekeeping efforts.  They help to mediate disagreements that threaten a consensus that can lead to compromise.

So, opposites do attract and divide.  With division, the challenge is to minimize the negative aspects of it.  I have observed people, who disagree, get into fights because they treat each other in a reactionary way.  How can we remedy this situation?

Mutual respect would be preferable.  But if that doesn’t prove possible, civility would be a good place to start.  Ignoring one another doesn’t do anything positive in problem-solving of any kind.  There needs to be a starting point in any fruitful discussion of a problem.

I guess the way in which we approach each situation is key in finding answers to the questions we have through empathy and listening.  In a perfect world, whether opposites attract or divide, our dealings with one another would have a positive outcome. I always prefer to look at the positive side of a topic, discussion or disagreement.  That’s the Pollyanna in me. And I always hope to keep that attitude in my heart. Because, if I do that, even when things don’t go the way I would want them to, at least I will have tried to be positive and find my way forward.  That’s just how I roll.