Before we all "Tip-Toe" into oblivion, consider something more constructive...

The latest offering from Russell T. Davis, "Tip-Toe" is a harrowing watch.

Watching it, you could be forgiven for thinking nothing has changed in the last 60 years and lay the blame, primarily at the male population.

There is truth in the narrative of course, but there are lots of good guys out there.

Having lived through those last 60 years we appeared on the surface, to be a much more accepting society 20, 30, even 40 years ago.

Perhaps this is rose coloured thinking or maybe it's because people didn't know what they didn't know.

And then there was the Internet & social media.

For every interaction on social media which brings us together, there appears to be another which wants to tear us all apart.

At the moment, it might seem to some, the "lets tear us all apart" message has the upper hand.

Each and everyone of us can choose to be better, if we want to.

YOU CAN"T CHANGE OTHERS, THEY MUST DESIRE TO CHANGE THEMSELVES.

An example of 'being better'...

Here are two men talking who have different lifestyles, beliefs &/or values and might perceive potential conflict if they weren't being open to curiosity and change...

1. Our conversation is not defined by our gender, orientation, religion etc. We are seeking common ground. We may find we have none, but at the very least we will go away with a better understanding of one another. Alternatively we might surprise ourselves with how much we relate to one another.

   
   

2. We are not interested in what's gone before for either one of us. We are much more interested in what is happening now on and putting constructive words into meaningful actions for both of us.

   For example, I might ask...

   "What do you need to happen to feel good about this situation?"

   or

   "If you were to see your life from an outsiders perspective, what is the biggest misconception they would have about who you are?

   
   

3. I'm here to listen, not pass judgement, not look for solutions (or problems!). I'm doing this because that's all he needs today.

   
   

4. We are not each trying to win the argument, we are trying to gain understanding of one another and see different perspectives, even if we come back to the belief we had at the beginning.

   
   

5. We agree to be honest with one another. If one of us doesn't like what we hear, we are not going to weaponise the statement, rather be even more curious about their view.

   
   

6. If we find we have nothing in common (rare in my experience if you are asking the right questions!), we are strong in the knowledge we have had a good conversation in the first instance before signing off with one another.

   
   

7. Ultimately we are both going to feel enriched by having conversations with one another, whether that be just this one or several which lead to friendship.

Be better - it costs you nothing to have an intelligent, thoughtful conversation.