The Gift in the Other Side’s Perspective
Listening without collapsing, standing firm without hardening
January 2025 |
5 min read |
Oren Knaan |
Relationships
Polarization is loud. Truth rarely yells. It reveals itself when we can hold tension. Listening to the “other side” isn’t self-betrayal—it’s how we meet the piece of reality our story can’t see.
How to Hear Without Collapsing
- Anchor in your values. Name what you stand for before the conversation.
- Listen for needs, not just opinions. Under every stance there’s a human need.
- Reflect, then respond. “What I’m hearing is…” slows reactivity and grows clarity.
- Keep your spine. Agreement isn’t required. Respect is.
What You Receive
- Blind spots become visible.
- Solutions appear that neither side could see alone.
- Your nervous system learns stability in difference.
We don’t need to become the other side—we just need to become wide enough to hold them while staying true to ourselves. That’s how intimacy and societal healing begin.
People Ask
Set simple containers: time limits, turns, and “reflect before respond.” Keep one hand on your values—literally put a hand on your chest. Stay anchored.
If there’s disrespect, dehumanization, or your body signals overwhelm—pause. Boundaries protect connection.