When we stop assuming good intentions, it becomes easier to label people, shut them out and retreat to our own corners.

Civility demands that we truly listen to one another, even when the message is difficult to hear.

In a world brimming with conflicting opinions, exaggerated claims and shifting narratives, a bit of skepticism is not only useful — it’s necessary.

Civility is the real challenge.

Somewhere along the way, we started treating disagreement like a high-stakes competition — a battle to be won rather than an opportunity to engage.

The image of Elizabeth Eckford, alone yet resolute, walking through a sea of hostility in 1957 remains one of the most powerful moments in American history.

In a world that often feels divided, one of the greatest challenges we face is how to treat people we don’t understand.

When a disagreement turns into a dialogue, everyone benefits. Understanding doesn’t require agreement, just a willingness to listen.

Disagreements are as inevitable as change, yet the real challenge lies in how we navigate them.

Victory can be sweet, but the measure of true leadership is how we handle not only our wins, but also the losses of those we once opposed.

Hyper-partisanship is about extreme loyalty or adherence to a specific group, ideology or viewpoint at the expense of open-mindedness and collaboration. It’s this troubling trend that compels me to write about its impact on civility and our community.

A recent Pew Research Center study reveals a sobering statistic: half of Americans believe that people have become ruder since the pandemic began.

Speaking the truth gently is a cornerstone of building respectful and harmonious relationships.

At the heart of this movement lies an essential value: authenticity.

Here in Carmel, we’ve always known that neighborliness extends beyond a simple friendly wave or cheerful greeting. It forms the very foundation of our civility and acts as the glue that binds our community together.

In Carmel, we take pride in being a community that thrives on respect, collaboration and progress. But even in the most harmonious of times, conflicts can still arise. The way we address those conflicts determines not only their resolution but also the tone of our shared civic life.

Imagine a movement where each of us consciously demonstrates respect, kindness and understanding in our daily interactions. That’s exactly the vision behind the evolving Civility Project in Carmel.

While modern politics often feel dominated by name-calling and division, the examples set by many U.S. presidents remind us of the enduring importance of civility, even in times of great challenge.

Science tells us that forgiveness isn’t just good for the soul; it’s good for our relationships, our health and even the strength of our city.

I am often coached to not take things too personally. I am told to realize someone might be just having a bad day or it is just business.