In today’s world, there are a lot of opinions running around and it can be hard to understand which ones you agree with – and the ones you don’t. In all honesty, you never have to agree with anyone – not your parents, not your friends, and not your partner.

This is the beauty of our developed minds in modern age. We all have the same right to hold opinions. It is only when people don’t understand this that arguments (or even wars) break out.

In the UK, there is a very important general election coming up. Now is the time to get your opinions straight. And it is not just with politics, but with anything you think about so deeply: climate change, wars, social policies, mental health, education. Anything that has an impact on your life.

With this notion that there are so many opinions in the air about every single subject ever known at the moment, keep in mind that other people’s opinions may not align with your own. And I said, this is a great thing.

So, the next time you feel threatened, scared or embarrassed to speak up in a friendly debate between friends or family – about any topic – remember that you have the right to speak your mind. Let’s not turn every conversation into an argument about who’s right and who’s wrong. Of course, there may be some extreme views on things that you thought there would be a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ to. In these cases, take a step back, allow people to share their thoughts, and have a civil conversation about it!

P.s. for those in the UK, please, please, please vote. This is the first time that I am of age to vote, and I am now understanding the increasing importance of this right. If you don’t think politics affects you, or if you ‘can’t be bothered to vote’, think again. This is important – and it will affect your life, and your next generation.