At least once in our lives, we have been told by others to “take the high road” during a disagreement. I know that I have heard this phrase multiple times in my life by my parents, friends, and teachers. I always find myself wondering what that means or even how to take the figurative “high road.”

The real question should be whether or not we should give up on the ideals and values that we feel are important. By taking the high road or walking away from confrontation, does it paint a person as polite and respectful, or categorize them as quiet and a push-over? When is the right time to step back, and when is the right time to respectfully fight for what we believe in?

There is no doubt that being respectful is a very integral part of our society, and it is something that should be valued and taught. However, there is a time when being polite changes into being labeled as a push-over, or someone who is not passionate about anything. Then, the polite person is ridiculed for being so nice.

During a small argument with a friend or family member, it might be the smart thing to to simply back down and just agree to disagree. However, when there is a large divide between ideals and morals, your personal opinion is important and vital in preserving your unique identity.

In these particular situations, standing up for our morals might be the better thing to do. Usually, though, the lines between different situations are blurred; thus, complicating things.

For instance, many young people struggle with the stances of their older family members because of the differences in opinions and viewpoints of the world. Although there has to be respect present because these people are our elders and loved family members, there is the inevitable generation gap that often leads to clashes with both parties passionate and stubborn in their own opinions. This passion and stubbornness can make it hard to have a mature and polite conversation with those who we disagree with.

One of the most important aspects of arguments or differences in opinions is respect. There has to be mutual respect for each other, otherwise the argument not only becomes heated , but, also, mean.

Take, for example, the political candidates of today. Most of them have respect for those that they disagree with, and that makes it easier to have a clean debate. Those who do not have respect for their opponents is easy to spot, which often tends to hurt their campaigns later down the road.

The best leaders in history have practiced respectful disagreement with others during their lives. Lawmakers, activists, and even average citizens in small communities have made changes throughout the world by refusing to give up. They respectfully declined the status quo and did not take the high road. These leaders changed so many things just by having a belief and not backing down from it.

I think this topic is important, especially for today’s teenagers. We have to be able to stand up for what we believe in and be respectful in our arguments. Just because we are young does not mean that our opinions are not valid or important, and we have to remember that. I think through respectful and mature arguments, we can maintain our beliefs and ideas about issues we feel strongly about.

I hope that when faced with a difficult choice, or when my ideals are being questioned that I will stand firm and not give up. I will not take the high road because it is the easy thing to do or because it will not cause problems for me later on. There is a true difference between the easy way and the right way, and learning the difference between the two is difficult, but rewarding.