Communication and Boundaries
Should other people dislike a work simply because I dislike it?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
No. You may explain your opinion or choose not to watch or listen, while others may still like it. Having a different feeling does not entitle me to demand that everyone feel the same way.
With songs, stage plays, and operas, some people enjoy them while others find them boring or cannot even understand what is being sung. Such responses naturally differ. Personal preferences cannot be treated as a standard everyone must accept.
You can still express an opinion. First understand the work, then explain what concerns you and why you think as you do. Do not turn criticism into an attack on a person, or erase all of someone’s strengths because one work does not suit your taste.
When discussing positive energy, I also emphasize respect and willingness to see each person’s good qualities and strengths. Appreciating someone’s strengths does not mean having to like every work they create. Keep your own freedom to choose, and allow others theirs.