Name A Better Duo Than Communication and Inclusivity. I'll wait.

It was the morning after a long night of shenanigans and my date and I woke up hungover. Our faces epitomized dehydration and we gulped water like our lives depended on it. We looked at each other and without words, our smiles expressed, "Damn. That was a fun" or it could have been, "Damn, when are you going to leave?"

Just kidding.

We talked for hours over iced coffee and hot, comforting Thai food that brought us back from the dead.

After our whole mini, dream date in the morning, I felt like I blacked out from dopamine and oxytocin overload.

Conversations with this person fleshed out so naturally, and to my surprise, we discussed how to protest, our favorite music and everything in between. One of the things that reinforced my sentiments, other than I really liked this person, was that communication and progress will only happen if both sides are inclusive.

Inclusive means to include all. Whether that is with the media and representation to opinions and lifestyles. Everyone grew up at a different intersection in life. That includes: skin color, culture, gender, sexuality, housing, income, etc. whatever YOU defines you.

We're different, and that IS okay. I'm not saying to not look at our similarities too, I'm saying that differences and variety should be just as validated and important.

I think when we communicate to people who are so different than ourselves, especially over heated topics, it's either one side is combative and/or both sides are combative. I understand all angles. When you're frustrated and tired of not being listened to, it can lead to much worse and that's not healthy. (Some aggression is okay, do you, but don't hurt anyone, please and thank you). We often find ourselves trying to listen, but we're mostly just hearing and not understanding.

Communication is a two-way channel.

Listen. Understand. ASK QUESTIONS! Asking questions is SO important. You dive in so much deeper into why people act and do the things they do when you ask. That's for real.

I was raised to be very curious about everything and everyone. The best thing we could do for ourselves is to step out of our comfort zones. It's better to say oh well, than what if?

Get out there, communicate, be curious and learn about others. You might teach someone a thing or two as well.

#Inclusivity #lgbt #communication #howtobeabetterperson