Are you too scared TO HAVE AN OPINION?

Everyone’s got a point of view - but it seems we’re now more fearful than ever to speak our minds

- LUCY CAVENDISH, ASHLEIGH PAGE

We’ve all been there – whether it’s bickering about who deserved that Oscar nomination or how to make a martini (with gin, by the way) – but wouldn’t life would be boring if we all had the same opinions? Sports presenter Gary Lineker came under fire recently when he tweeted his views on the government’s immigration plan, which in turn led to him being pulled from Match of the Day for allegedly violating the BBC’s impartiality rules. In solidarity, his co-workers also pulled out. Gary was later reinstated, but does this flashpoint reflect a society incapable of respecting others’ opinions? A majority of Britons (57%) say they’ve now stopped expressing their political or social views for fear of judgment or negative responses from others, according to a study*. We speak to one woman who feels like she’s constantly in trouble for voicing her opinion…

‘Don’t be afraid’

Woman’s agony aunt, Suzie Hayman says: Everybody has a right to an opinion, as long as it’s not a nasty one, so don’t be afraid to share yours. You shouldn’t fear judgement because most people are more than happy to hear what others think. If they disagree, they can say so – but you’re more than likely to hear, ‘I thought that too – thanks for saying!’ Or ‘I hadn’t seen it that way – good  to hear.’ Square your shoulders, raise your head and give it a try.