Before we get into that, here’s a simple exercise suggested by personal growth expert Pablo Morano. This guide contains a series of questions that can give us a true assessment of where we are on the perceived scale of intolerance.
If you answered “yes” to even one of these questions, it means that you have a certain level of intolerance. We talk about levels because in most cases, if we draw the line between “tolerant” and “intolerant”, we fall along this scale. That is, the answers to these questions will not have the same meaning or point in the same direction. We all have some level of tolerance or intolerance, depending on the circumstances and our personality.
Mood of intolerant people
Regardless of other personal characteristics, intolerant people often develop certain moods. These are dispositions, always associated with their hard thinking. Let’s highlight the most notable ones.
Fanaticism
In general, an intolerant person shows fanaticism, defending his beliefs and positions. Whether in a political or religious conversation, they generally cannot argue or discuss things without taking extremist views. They think their way of seeing things is the only way. In fact, they are trying to impose their view of the world on others.
Psychological rigidity
Intolerant people are afraid of something else. That is, they are tough in their psychology. They find it difficult to accept that other people may have different philosophies and points of view. Therefore, they distance themselves from everything that is not consistent with their thinking. They don’t accept it. It may even make them feel a little uneasy.
omniscience
Impatient people feel they have to protect themselves from people who think differently or otherwise. Thus, they embellish or invent things by presenting theories as facts and acting knowledgeable about subjects about which they know virtually nothing.
They do not accept or listen to points of view other than their own and believe that their closed attitude is justified. They may even turn to insults and aggressiveness if they feel cornered and without arguments.
Their world is simple and lacks depth
Impatient people see the world much more simply than it really is. That is, they do not listen, so they are not open to other positions and ways of thinking. So their world is black and white.
It means thinking about things like “you’re either with me or against me” or “it’s either ugly or beautiful” or “right and wrong” without realizing that there can be a lot of gray in between. They need security and confidence, even if it’s not real.
They stick to routine
They usually do not like something unexpected and spontaneous. They hold on tight to their routine and things they know well and that give them a sense of security. Otherwise, they very quickly begin to experience stress or even frustration.
They have relationship problems
Lack of empathy in intolerant people can cause them serious social problems. They must correct, dominate and always impose their point of view. Therefore, the people around them are often passive or have low self-esteem. Otherwise, their interaction is impossible or too complicated.
They are usually very jealous
It will be difficult for an impatient person to accept someone else’s success, because that person will always be on a different level, and as a result, his level will be wrong. Plus, if that person has a more open and tolerant mindset, the intolerant person will feel uncomfortable. His level of anxiety will rise because it is wrong from their point of view. They can also be very jealous at heart.
These are common attitudes that we observe in intolerant people to one degree or another. Do you identify with any of them? If so, put an end to this today. Trust me, you will be happier and your life will be richer.