The term “liberal bubble” (自由泡沫) suggests that people usually surround themselves with those who hold similar opinions to them. Think about your own social media platforms (社交媒体平台)—who your Facebook friends are, and who you follow on Instagram and Twitter. You probably share a lot of opinions with most, if not all, of them. However, if you’re used to everyone agreeing with you all the time, it becomes difficult to have a good conversation with someone who disagrees.

The world is full of experiences, realities, and history. It would be naive (幼稚的) to believe that only your views are correct. We should always make space for the possibility that someone who looks different might have something valuable to offer the world. Carefully listening and being curious about different perspectives, in most cases, can help build bridges instead of walls. We all benefit when we listen carefully—even if we finally conclude that we disagree.

The world we live in is increasingly divided, especially on social media, which means that for most, the only opinions we hear are ones that agree with our own thoughts. So how can we have productive discussions with people who think differently than us? First, follow people who don’t look like you on social media.Follow people with different skills. Follow people of many different nationalities. Just reading their day-to-day thoughts, in addition to seeing their bigger moments, will help you learn about worlds you didn’t even know. It’ll help you understand where people are coming from when they do or say something you might push back on at the beginning. As far as having productive discussions, don’t try to win others over to your side. Just listen to each other. Respect your differences. Another way is to join a club or organization where many people have different views and are willing to debate with love.

The thought of a natural disaster can be frightening, but preparing for the most likely disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, and winter storms, is necessary. 【小题1】You can develop an emergency plan for your family in case of a natural disaster, including household information, out-of-town contacts and school, workplace, and childcare contact information and emergency first aid. Add your evacuation routes and shelter plans as well.

More importantly, you have to monitor potential (潜在的) disasters. 【小题2】 Watch news and weather reports in your region so that you can be aware of potential disasters in the area. You can also download apps for your smart phone that will warn you of potential disasters near your location.

【小题3】 If your family is at risk for exposure to a natural disaster, explain to them what’s happening. Review your emergency preparedness plan so that everyone knows what to do in the event of a disaster.

Thirdly, track the progress of forthcoming disasters. Check back with your news station frequently so that you’ll be aware of changes in weather or conditions that could alter the course of a disaster. 【小题4】 In this way, you’ll be well informed of what’s happening.

Finally, evacuate before disaster strikes, if possible. If danger is coming in your area, evacuate before it strikes. 【小题5】 So be sure to follow their instructions. If you aren’t able to evacuate, shelter in place until it’s safe to leave the area.

Behave Kindly and Positively

Smile. Look at people in the eyes when you give them a smile. This is such a simple way to spread kindness, and it’s free! Be generous with your smile and put feeling into it. Smile at store clerks, waiters, mail carriers, and other people you come in contact with. 【小题1】

Mind your manners. 【小题2】 Treat others respectfully, as well or even better than you’d wish to be treated. Aim to be cooperative and thoughtful. If you borrow things, don’t forget to give them back. Try to extend invitations to people who have previously invited you to an event.

Express gratitude. Tip generously when you can. 【小题3】 Be appreciative and express your respect and admiration for others. Try telling someone in your life, “You inspire me to be a better person through your...”. List specific things you appreciate about that person. If you don’t feel comfortable saying it in person, tell them through a note or online message.

【小题4】 Open and hold doors for people. Use shopping carts politely. Always keep your cart to the side of the aisle so that people can get around you without having to wait for you to move. Offer your help if you see someone with their hands full, for instance an elderly person with a lot of items to load in their vehicle. 【小题5】 Planning a little extra time can make it less stressful when you have to search for a parking spot or wait in store lines.