Her and I come from very different worlds. As a result, we often hold very different and opposing viewpoints at times. She has a more positive outlook on life, often sympathizing with people and situations while I hold a more firm and sometimes negative view.
Her: “I feel sad for that person because…”
Me: “They’re a piece of shit”.
One could argue that I have allowed myself to become jaded by life while she hasn’t. This may be partially true. I have no doubt my job is a big influence in how I view people. However, I think a lot of it has to do with the environment you are raised and live in.
Let me give you two examples.
One day, while talking to me on the phone, she went to the shops. I listened quietly as several people took the time to stop, greet her with a smile, and engage in friendly chat. Genuine pleasantries and discussions about each others’ families and careers were exchanged. Each conversation ended with wishing the other well and a promise to catch up later. I remember telling her the people where she lives are far more friendly than where I live.
I don’t remember the exact details of my second example. I remember that while out for her walk Ma’am came upon a woman who needed help. I want to say the woman was broke down but I’m not entirely sure I remember that correctly. What I do remember is that Ma’am let the woman use her phone and even tracked the woman down again later to make sure she was okay. I was not shocked that Ma’am went out of her way to help the woman. She is a great person. But, as I pointed out to her, where I live you don’t let anyone borrow your phone unless you are prepared for it to be stolen. And sadly, no one would have gone out of their way to go back later and check on the woman.
She lives in a friendly town where people greet you when they see you and everyone tries to help the other person out. However, I live in a town that is known for drugs and crime and I work a job where I hear and see the worst of people. Her country doesn’t allow guns while in my state we have open carry. There are so many differences I couldn’t begin to list them all. The point is that I believe environment has a major influence on how we view the world and her and I live in very different worlds.
Just to note; though, I appreciate and love her positive outlook on life and people. It gives me pause to rethink how I see things. Our opposing views don’t cause an issue for us. We just see things differently because of the environment we have been raised and currently live.
