Intolerance is a characteristic that can manifest itself in different ways in people. Those individuals who are intolerant often have difficulty accepting opinions different from their own, showing empathy towards those who are different, or simply living with diversity. Intolerance can have a negative impact on interpersonal relationships, social coexistence and society as a whole. In this article, we will explore the 12 defects that are usually present in intolerant people.
Common defects in intolerant people
1. Lack of empathy
Lack of empathy is one of the most prominent traits in intolerant people. The inability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and understand their perspectives and feelings makes it difficult to connect emotionally with those who are different. It is essential to develop empathy to promote understanding and tolerance in interpersonal relationships.
2. Mental rigidity
Intolerant people tend to be mentally rigid, which results in resistance to change and difficulty adapting to new ideas and perspectives. This mental rigidity limits the ability to learn from diverse experiences and expand one's own mental horizon.
3. Personal insecurity
Intolerance can be fueled by the personal insecurity of those who experience it. Lack of self-confidence can lead some people to reject everything that is unknown or threatening, instead of facing those situations from a position of emotional strength.
4. Fear of the unknown
Fear of the unknown is another factor that contributes to intolerance. Intolerant people often feel anxiety or fear about what they do not understand or what is foreign to them, which leads them to automatically reject what is different to them.
5. Low self-esteem
Low self-esteem can be a trigger for intolerance, since people who do not value themselves can project their negativity onto others. Not feeling secure in themselves, they may adopt an attitude of superiority towards those they consider different, thus reinforcing their own image.
6. Excessive perfectionism
Excessive perfectionism can lead to intolerance, as people who seek perfection in everything may have difficulty accepting what is imperfect or different. This constant search for excellence can generate tensions in interpersonal relationships and make it difficult to accept diversity.
7. Need for control
Intolerant people usually have a strong need to control their environment and the people around them. This need for control can lead to authoritarian attitudes and a lack of respect for the individual freedom of others, which makes harmonious coexistence difficult.
8. Lack of tolerance for frustration
Intolerance can also be the result of a low tolerance for frustration. People who have difficulties facing adverse situations or managing their emotions may react impulsively and aggressively towards what causes them discomfort, instead of seeking constructive solutions.
9. Dichotomous thinking
Dichotomous thinking, characterized by the tendency to divide the world into opposing categories (good/bad, right/wrong), can fuel intolerance by not allowing for nuances or middle ground. Intolerant people tend to see the world in a polarized way, which makes it difficult to accept diversity.
10. Lack of emotional autonomy
Lack of emotional autonomy can predispose people to intolerance. Those people who depend excessively on external approval or who are unable to regulate their own emotions may react negatively to situations that challenge their view of the world.
11. Lack of emotional education
Emotional education is essential to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity. Intolerant people often lack the tools to manage their own emotions, which makes it difficult to empathize and understand others.
12. Lack of open-mindedness
Lack of open-mindedness is a determining factor in intolerance. Intolerant people often close themselves off to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, which limits their ability to enrich themselves through diversity. Mental openness is key to fostering tolerance and respect for difference.