What is something you appreciate about someone who is different from you?

During this Thanksgiving Season, we asked members to answer a question each week about gratitude. These are the answers from week one of this four-week series.

I appreciate that there are many other ways of being and perceiving my world in different ways. Differences promote creativity and critical thinking. We need them for progress and being grateful for what we have. - Lori

I appreciate the different perspective on life in general and all the little things that affect them differently than they affect me. The explanations of what they might have to go through to accomplish the same thing truly makes a difference. - anonymous

As an introverted people person, I appreciate most those who approach me to create conversation and are interested in who I am. It has taken decades for me to learn how to approach someone else to do the same and it is not easy. When conversation finally happens, I love to hear other's stories and my life is enriched by the diversity of people I meet. Imagine a world where each of us is free to be who we are. Imagine a world where differences are celebrated rather than belittled or condemned. - Karen Gosselin

I appreciate the 7th and 8th graders that I am helping learn to cook. I feel working across generations is helpful to all! - Karen Breiwick

I appreciate the opportunity to learn about something I may not have regular exposure to and to see things from a different perspective. In carrying out our busy day to day lives, people (myself included) sometimes can be very focused on what directly effects their life, and not take enough time to think of others. - anonymous

New perspectives from what I’ve known. - Ron H

When I listen carefully to a person different from me I learn. It has amazed me over time how when I first hear an idea vastly different from mine, I bristle and discount the idea for lack of merit. But if I listen and think and listen more I have always learned something that has improved my understanding of the world around me and how to live in it better. I am grateful for those who provide a variety of ideas. - anonymous

Their cuisine and ancestors stories. - anonymous