Differences in Manners W07 2.15.22

Having good or bad manners is entirely subjective to the observer and their personal paradigms. I've noticed recently on all ends of the spectrum that there are coming to light more and more sensitivities embedded in our beings that haven't yet been explored or considered in a public nature. Many look upon these sensitivities disparagingly, or as if they indicate some sort of weakness. There is so much complexity that goes into these thoughts, but one of the most troublesome to me is the idea that sensitivity indicates weakness, and more so that weakness is negative.

In a world where we are so easily connected across all types of platforms, whether it be through the internet, or even physically through the expansion and increasing convenience of long distance travel, our sensitivities are important and not to be ignored. Our cultural paradigms may be entirely made up elements of our minds, fake rules that from a fully logical standpoint should not matter, but the fact is that they do matter. The adherence to our cultural paradigms and customs is psychologically validating and will affect us throughout our lives, no matter how self-aware we claim to be.

I am a person that struggles with anxiety and because of some of my paradigms and predetermined boundaries, no matter how aware of them I am, I can be very negatively affected if someone intrudes on my personal space; if I am corrected publicly, even just meeting a new person and fumbling for words can cause me a lot of distress, as I'm sure it can to many other people as well. It has taken me a long time to come to the understanding that this doesn't make me weak; it doesn't make me inferior. It is simply a difference in the mortal experience. Being sensitive to my personal space makes me no more sensitive than someone who dislikes elbows on the table. We all experience some sort of sensitivity and as such, we should do our best to be mindful of the sensitivities of others. 

Due to the array of cultural paradigms throughout the world, there grows stronger the need every day for people whose strength is sympathy. There is a need for people who are willing to walk on eggshells until they can find the swept ground; people whose voice is soft and whose touch is softer. As mercifully as we hope to be treated should we treat others and with just as much understanding as we hope to receive.