Are you considered a threat to society, are you an outcast or how about gay? Well none of these minor details will affect the way I treat or view you. I am what you call an open-minded person. Being open minded is not letting someone’s race, customs, sexuality, the way they talk/walk, or dress influence your opinion about them. It also means that you are open to others suggestions and comments.

I have friends that are Guyanese and Muslim, Irish and gothic, Puerto Rican and gay, etc. I have friends that come in all different races, sizes, shapes and colors. I don’t see people as weird they are just different and I have no problem with different. Every one has a different definition of normal. To me it doesn’t matter what you look like, it all depends on how we get along. I don’t prejudge people on the way they look because I hate it when people prejudge me as having an attitude or as being rude just by looking at me. I feel that it’s wrong to make assumptions like that because the harshest looking person can be a sweetheart in the inside. I like having such a variety of friends because they each teach me something different, either about their race, religion, or even their sexuality. I think it makes my personality a little diverse because of all the different kinds of friends I have. If I didn’t have such a variety of friends I think I’d be so naïve, I would only know about the ways of the Hispanics.

I believe in trying anything once. All my friends are into different things and they all like to do different things in their spare time. When I hang with out with them I have to entertain their interest too, like one friend can like to go to the movies another play pool. I think its good to try new things all the time because you never know what you’re missing out on. When you’re constantly trying new things you never get bored. You might not enjoy something but it’s always good to try it anyway because you never know you might like it. It’s good to be open to people’s comments and suggestions because it helps you add variety to everything you do and you are never repetitious.

When you’re around different races you learn about different religions and customs. It’s good to learn about different religions and customs because it helps you grow as a person. You become mind full of why people do what they do or why they don’t. It helps you understand their holidays and traditions. Having a Muslim friend helped me understand why they fast and the rules of fasting. Having a Pentecostal friend taught me why they always wear skirts. Having catholic friends taught me about communions and confirmations. Being open to learning and understanding all about these religions and customs is a good experience.

So if one of your friends say, look, or do things that might seem strange to you remember it may seem strange to you but it’s probably ordinary to them. Being open to other people and their customs will benefit you in the long run because it will give you the knowledge you will need for your day to day interaction with people. Wouldn’t you like people to be open to you?