When considering what opinion really means, it is basically our own personal perception of another person’s work or ideas.  Nothing more but a mere projection of our own thoughts and perhaps in some cases, insecurities, that when spoken are not necessarily directed at the person to whom we are talking, but towards ourselves, allowing everyone to see the emotional state of our own inner self. 

Think about this next time you get someone writing to you with words that might seem nasty or sarcastic, addressing your belief structures in the light of their own ideas.  The opinionated words that they write are not addressing anything about how you are as a person but merely the words from someone that has an issue with what you say inside their own mind.  These people forget that this world is made for many different viewpoints, beliefs and structures.  They take your words on personally feeling that what you talk about is an attack on their own standards of living.  Aggressive opinion becomes then merely a projection of a person’s own viewpoint and perhaps even fears and misunderstandings of another person’s way of living life and their own belief structures. 

Opinion really is devoid of real essential understanding of the other person’s work.  It is merely the words of your own feelings on the subject and even if they are positive or encouraging words they are still coming from inside the individual making the opinion.  Not from the writer or speaker of the work in the first place. 

It is true that opinion is free to be utilized, and very rightly and frequently done within all cultures and societies.  We all have the choice to have our own say, and to present to the world our own ideas on how life should be seen.  When we do this it is our own outward projection of our thoughts and ideas on the topics at hand.  We present to the world an outward display of our emotional and intellectual state, allowing them to see us from within and how we see the world.

Opinion is not for the receiver but for the giver to understand why they feel so compelled by the information at hand.  Acknowledging another person’s work is only a part of it, but if we deliver any opinion it is best to see that it is from ourselves, and that the response that we get from the other person in return is based on the choice that we made to deliver our own ideas in the first place.  Do not be surprised with the answer, this opinion is merely the inside feelings of this person giving you a snapshot of their inner self, all that they believe to be their own truth and reasoning.  It is not to be taken personally but instead be seen as an interesting picture into another person’s life and goals, a viewing into their unique reality and truth. 

This opinion then is an opening up of another person’s life to you, sharing with you a part of their individuality to which could be considered time that they are offering you, sharing their own learning and ideas and perspectives on life.  It is not anything to be seen as personal from the receiver, but more a giving of time and consideration, showing that the giver of the opinion has been affected by your words and is reflecting on the issue, opening a doorway into their individuality and unique standpoint to which they live and value life on.

By Stacey T Pollock.