Don Thomason

“Protesting often times takes a stance of offense; a form of violence that may not always be physical but is a form of violence all the same. Everyone has the right to be heard, but only if they are willing to really listen to others in an attempt to understand. As an atheist, I have never stood outside a church and disrupted their gathering, although I am willing to have a conversation about how my journey brought me here and how you have come to this point. For me to enter a gathering and protest is an offensive move that would cause the people involved to put up walls. It would not be welcomed and I would not do it. It would be a hindrance to us actually knowing and understanding each other.

The only way to truly know someone is by being with them, by conversation.”
― Eric Overby

“A person was like a city. You couldn't let a few less desirable parts put you off the whole. There may be bits you don't like, a few dodgy side streets and suburbs, but the good stuff makes it worthwhile.”
― Matt Haig, The Midnight Library

“Being in the dominant group, where the culture matches our culture, tends to lead to not only advantage, but also conscious laziness.”
― Sara Taylor, Thinking at the Speed of Bias: How to Shift Our Unconscious Filters

“Always maintain a separate life that includes hobbies, healthy friendships, some adventures, and self-care while in a relationship. This will make your love connection much more fulfilling.”
― Robin S. Baker