Respect Makes Harmony

Yesterday's group conscience meeting was tense. Someone proposed changing our meeting time and half the room disagreed strongly. Voices got loud. People interrupted each other. I watched the harmony we usually have dissolve into something uncomfortable and divisive. I almost left.

But then someone said: In Al-Anon working together harmoniously requires that we have respect for one another. The room got quiet. We'd lost respect in the heat of disagreement. We were so focused on being right that we'd forgotten to respect each other's perspectives.

After that reminder we started over. Same disagreement but different tone. People listened instead of just waiting to speak. We acknowledged that everyone wanted what was best for the group even though we disagreed about what that meant. We showed respect for each other even in the midst of conflict.

We didn't all end up agreeing. We took a vote and made a decision and some people were disappointed. But we maintained harmony because we maintained respect. The harmony wasn't about everyone feeling the same way. It was about treating each other with dignity even when we disagreed.

That's the kind of harmony I want in all my relationships – not fake agreement but genuine respect even in conflict.

When I disagree with someone in my group, I can practice showing respect even while voicing my different opinion. Listening fully. Acknowledging their perspective. Remembering we all want what's best. Harmony doesn't mean we all agree – it means we respect each other even when we don't.