Most everyone, at one time or another, has recited the old phrase, "Opinions are like a------s". Although it's true that everyone has one, it troubles me, that it gives the impression opinions are repugnant. However, the one of opinion would not appear to agree. Hence, we have a difference of opinion already. Indeed, even a stage for animosity.

Where I wonder, did this almost immediate disdain for opinions begin? We are all certainly assumed to have one. (There's another one of those phrases cropping up). We are always told we are entitled to an opinion. We are forever asking for them and yet, often unhappy at having received one.

Upon more than one occasion I have been asked to keep it to myself!

How have we attached such a stigma to having an opinion? Maybe it's that dog gone phrase! Of course, who would want one of those!

I propose a new, fresh personification of opinions-

Opinions are like shoes!

We all have them. And, if we're lucky...many.

Some may be open and some may be closed.

Some are bright, some are dull. Some are small and some are big. Some are high and some are low.

And, I may have one just like yours-but it's still mine. We may like each other's and maybe we don't. But I still don't deny your right to keep them.

My opinion may fit me to a tee. You may keep your fancy ones for special occasions.

I like getting new ones. They're a great conversation piece.

And the best part is, everyone in the room can have different ones and not cause a riot. We may have a different opinion today than we had yesterday.

And wouldn't it be awful if everyone had the same ones.

So, what opinion are you wearing this fall? I certainly hope we get some new ones before school starts!

But that's just my opinion.

moovnmom