I used to think that intolerance was always loud and obvious that they were shouting their opinion, refusing to engage in different perspectives or openly removing others.
But the truth is that it is often more delicate than that.
Intolerance can appear in everyday interactions, forming the way we hear (or not), as we respond to differences, and even the people we choose with.
And here is the complex part. Many people who are intolerant do not even realize it.
If you have ever thought of what someone closes those who think or differ from them, here are seven qualities that tend to stand on the way, communication and personal growth.
1) They refuse to hear different perspectives
Ever had a conversation with someone who bites the moment they listen to the opinion that doesn’t match their own.
Instead of asking questions or trying to understand, they remove, interrupt or completely change the subject.
This is not just about disagreement. It is even about not wanting to view another point of view.
When someone refuses to listen, they create feedback where only their beliefs are strengthened. And over time, it makes them more resistant to new ideas, various cultures and thinking of thinking.
True openness begins to hear, not only waiting for your turn.
2) They make quick judgments about others
I used to work with someone who was already understandable to them during the minutes of a new man’s meeting, at least in their minds.
If someone is dressed in a certain way, he spoke to a certain emphasis, or he said that they did not agree, they immediately decided what kind of person were. And once that verdict was made, it was not fulfilled.
I remember that I presents them once my friend. After only one brief exchange, they put me aside and said: “I can already say that we will not unite.”
The thing is, they never gave my friend a chance. They had never got to see their sense of humor, kindness or depth of their experience.
People who quickly put a rarely pause, they ask if their assumptions are fair or if they are missing some incredible connections because of them.
3) They see differences as a threat
Some people just don’t notice differences. They feel worried about themselves.
A new way of thinking. Other way of dressing. They do not share the belief system. Their first reaction is unpleasant instead of curiosity. And that anxiety quickly turns into resistance.
They convince themselves that their way is the right way, and anything beyond it is a challenge for their identity. So instead of getting involved, they push back. They mock. They exclude.
But here is the truth. The difference is not a threat. It is an opportunity to learn, to grow, see the world through the lens, which you have never previously observed.
People who understand these bridges. Those who are not. They build walls.
4) They surround only people who think like them
If everyone around you is like you thinks like you and agree with what you say, it can feel comfortable but it is also limited.
People who are intolerant tend to get acquainted with the familiarity. They avoid conversations that challenge their beliefs and differ in different prospects.
In time, this strengthens the idea that their thinking is the only waves.
The problem does not happen in the ECHO chamber.
When you only get involved in people who discriminate your views, you miss the opportunity to expand your understanding, challenge your assumptions and develop real compassion.
Diversity: mind, background and experience is nothing to fear. It’s something to look for.
5) They believe that changing their minds is weakness
For some people, they feel wrong, it feels impossible.
When they expressed an opinion on human, culture or idea. They keep it tight, no matter what new information comes on their way.
Changing their minds. It would mean that they did not imagine everything from the beginning.
But here’s something about thinking. The human brain is developing 70,000 thoughts a day. According to that many information, which are on our mind, it is not natural that some of our beliefs need some needs.
People who are really open understand that growth means developing. Those who refuse budget. They remain stuck with the same patterns never understood how much more there is to see and understand.
6) They assume different means “wrong”
Everyone did not rise in the same way. Not everyone had the same experience, the same effects or the same opportunities.
However, some people look at those who live, think or otherwise believe and immediately assume that they should be misused or worse.
But what if instead of judging? What if we realized that their prospects form a life that we did not live?
Understanding does not mean to agree with everything. It just means that our path is not the only way, and that always learn more about what we see on the surface.
7) They allow to fear their opinion
Fear has a way of forcing people to have a safe and familiar feeling.
It tells them that everything is dangerous. That change is a threat. That the opening of new perspectives can mean to lose some of their part.
But fear is not the truth. It’s just a feeling that can be challenged, interrogated and overcome.
People who refuse to do, they remain stuck, shaping their worldview of curiosity, understanding or growth.
Bottom line
Intolerance is not always loud or obvious. Sometimes it is hidden as we judge very quickly, resist new perspectives, or let the fear shape our beliefs.
But the good news. These patterns are not permanent.
Awareness is the first step. When we start noticeing where we close others, we create a place to change. We can choose to listen to reject instead.
Interrogate our assumptions instead of sticking. See the differences as something to learn, not to be afraid of something.
Psychologists have found that the impact of diverse prospects increases compassion and critical thinking. The more we participate with the people who challenge our worldview, the more we expand our understanding, not others, but also from us.
Growth does not happen in comfort zones. It happens when we go out of them, we are ready to see the world through a wider lens.