Pagan sues Panera Bread Company alleging religious discrimination

[PatSeg]

35. I think that is the key

To not be confrontational or defensive. Genuine friendliness and kindness is a universal icebreaker, as long as all parties are polite and considerate. Some of these people were hungry for real human connections, open and sincere conversation. Instead of contradicting and rejecting everything they said, I found common ground, while still not necessarily accepting their doctrine. I saw eyes light up. They probably weren't used to such meaningful debate and exchanges that came without judgment or criticism.

We live in such a divisive world where we often focus on our differences more than our commonalities. Once you feed the divisiveness, it only grows, usually out of proportion to the original disagreement. This friendly outreach does not work all the time with all people. I've known a few who are obnoxiously evangelical in their approach and do not listen to anything other than the dogmatic script running through their head. I find such behavior rude and unacceptable and I have better things to do with my life.

I love that you got them to taste coffee. I figure that at least we've planted seeds that may some day take root. If not, we are better people for the exchange.