Someone once said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

That is probably true.

So is stupidity.

Every day we come across people that test us, annoy us and generally make our lives that much less enjoyable.

We think.

I once held a party. Food and drink were in plentiful supply and a good time was had by all. That is until I realised that my 30 year old single malt highland scotch was being mixed with diet coke by one nameless individual.

I was incensed – how could he – Single malt!!! Being the good host that I am I let it go. For that night.

My resolve was never to invite that nameless individual again.

Years later I recounted the story to a good friend of mine. She looked at me strangely.

‘You know mecci, you are the one with the problem.’ She said.

‘What – why?’ I retorted hurt and confused. (Having expected wholehearted approval of my banishment for that unnamed individual.)

‘Well,’ said she, sagely’ the party was held for people to enjoy themselves. The nameless one enjoyed himself drinking your single malt with diet coke. You thinking it is wrong is your problem. You cannot expect all people to live as you wish them to live.’

I was dumbfounded. She was 100% right. I had imposed my sense of appropriate behaviour upon my guest.

What I learned at that moment was that even when you think you are right and justified in your actions and your view of certain people and their actions, you are probably not.

We all see the world through our own eyes and think our own thoughts. Tolerance is your ability to accept that.

I am working on that.