Imagine all people love the same color: Red.

And only one movie: Star Wars.

And only one music: Bohemian Rhapsody.

And only one food: Pizza.

I could go on forever. There’s more! Yes, it’s crazy.

But the truth is, I couldn’t imagine a world where each person likes the same one thing. That’s boring. There should be a variation.

Music: Some prefer country music, while others are into jazz.

Movies: Some prefer romantic drama movies, while others are into sci-fi.

Novels: Some people love thriller Stephen King-esque, while others enjoy fantasy or drama.

Work environment: The introverts prefer solitude and being alone. Extroverts want constant interaction with coworkers.

Fashion: Most people prefer stylish trendy outfits, while some want simplicity, or just being themselves.

So which one is right, which one is wrong? There’s no right or wrong. It’s a matter of preference. Each one is unique. That’s how the world works.

The problem is, some people force their own preferences on others — as if pointing a gun at their victims’ faces if they don’t agree they’ll shoot them dead.

Some parents want their kids to follow a certain career — because they believe it’s the only way — without giving their children a chance to pursue what they truly want.

Some school teachers reprimand their students for being silent and a loner and slow reader, without considering their students’ personality. Maybe she’s introvert? Maybe she’s dyslexic? The film Taare Zameen Par (Every Child is Special) can explain it.

Isn’t it strange we believe everyone’s different, yet still get annoyed when we see other people dress in weird outfits, or for men grow their hair long, or for women wear full-body tattoos?

Maybe that person prefers that fashion, that lifestyle, that food, that music, or that movie.

Maybe that person prefers working at home because it makes them more productive. Or maybe they want to work in the office so they can interact with coworkers every day. I have no idea.

If you meet a person with different preferences from yours, respect. Listen. Empathize. If you don’t like what they want, that’s fine. They probably don’t like your preferences either. And that’s not a problem.

On the other hand, if you think you’re alone because of your weird preferences, no problem. There are many people who share your preferences. Find those people, and maybe, be friends with them?