We all like to believe that we are more open mind then we really are. I for example think that I am not judgmental towards most things and am willing to try something at least once. My theory of how open minded I really am has been tested several times within recent weeks, as result of constantly feeling uncomfortable and saying no I have to admit that I am not as open minded as I claim to be. A good example would be my resolve to never drink alcohol. As we all know drinking alcohol on social occasions is common, and as my circle of friends increases I have found myself constantly being offered a drink. I always refuse and end up ordering a fruit drink or a coke, which is always met by surprise or interest as to why I don't drink. The answer is simple I am closed minded to it. How can you say no if you have never tried? Just one drink? are questions that I here every time I step out to meet up with people. When it comes to drinking or using any type of drugs I refuse to allow myself to follow a path I see as being self destructive. I came to the conclusion simply by watching my peers drinking the way they do and nursing severe hangovers and regrets that sometimes being closed minded is a good thing. I am the kind of person that always needs to be in control of every aspect of my  life and if something jeopardizes that I will not even attempt to try it. Being closed minded to things that are not good for you allows you to stay sane. I do not judge people who drink because that is simply a lifestyle choice that they decided works for them, however it doesn't work for me. Funnily enough I often feel judged by my choice not to drink especially because its normal at my age to drink. One drink wont do anything to you so I have been told , but I wont give into peer pressure to be more open minded to something I don't see the point in. I know and have always known how to have fun and enjoy myself and drinking will not enhance the experience I have when I go out wit my friends. My friends are all in their twenties and can not comprehend my stance when it comes to drinking and as much as I try to see their point of view it just is impossible.

One friend equated my attitude towards drinking to her attitude towards gay and lesbian couples. the same way I refuse to drink is the same way she refuses to accept gay relationships I remember her saying. I feel that this instance is when being closed minded is destructive not only to yourself but people around you. Yes I do not drink as a result of my closed mindedness however that is a choice that doesn't negatively affect the way I treat people. This is a form of closed mindedness i pray i never experience. I equate it to building a solid wall around yourself made out of metal. No one can get to you even if they try. I simply will never understand this type of closed mindedness. It is one that is filled with hatred and bias. In fact it makes no sense to hate people simply because they do not conform to your ideal of what a relationship should be. Often people who fail to accept gay relationships hide behind the pretence of being Catholics who are simply following the rules as set out to them by the bible. Catholic religion I believe is based on the principal of Love. Love is the most important theme that can be found as a lesson in every scripture. If this is the case shouldn't people stop playing god and judging other people???? All that is required is to love people even if you do not agree for whatever reason with what they do.I  have several gay friends and I have to say they are some of the best people I have ever met. Imagine if I implored  closed mind I would miss out on meeting people who are loving, fun and dynamic.

Being open minded is necessary in most aspects in life and even though I may not be totally open minded towards all things. I do realise that my view is not the only correct possibility and perspective. I pride myself on being able to listen to other peoples views on limitless topics. Yes I still have my beliefs but I do not impose them on other people because I am willing to accept that although I may not think and feel a certain way, I have to see the validity of other peoples choices. That to me is the definition of being open minded ...