What do you think?

While I'm all for a good discussion of opposing opinions, lately I've been realizing that certain types of debates are more enjoyable than others. To me, a good debate is one where opinion is truly at the foundation of the conversation and it is ultimately understood. To understand this is to respect this.

If I asked for your opinion about using a flavor packet when cooking a stew, you could respond in many different ways. A full discussion could be had regarding the pros and cons of cooking from scratch. I think a good debate could be expected. However, it all depends on the delivery of the arguments. There are a lot of people that insist that their opinion is fact. So much so, that they become condescending if you did not wholeheartedly agree with their stance. For example, these people would say "Flavor packet? It's not REAL cooking unless you cook from scratch." Their opinion is delivered as if it were law. They go on to recite facts that support their opinion in an attempt to condescend even more. Little do they know, I'm not looking for a competition. I'm simply trying to foster discussion and conversation. I would have more respect if they just said, "I prefer not to use a flavor packet because...." The same message is conveyed, but its less threatening and is more open to other opinions.

From a professional standpoint, I am definitely more open to others opinions if they are able to present it in a non-threatening manner. Perhaps this makes me overly sensitive and not ready for the rigors of the dog eat dog world of business. From a personal standpoint, I tend to respect and admire those of my friends that enjoy sharing their opinion with me without all the belittling. The ironic part of it all is that in college, one of my fraternity brothers dubbed me "Mr. I'm right until you can prove me wrong." At first, I was flattered. Looking back, I am not so proud of it. I thought maybe it meant that I was a "master debater" (save the jokes). In retrospect, I know it just meant that, at the time, I was better at expressing myself. Nowadays I try not to get into arguments. "Try" being the key word. As I get older, arguing just seems to take too much energy. Of course if the topic is one that affects me or my family, I will put more effort into the discussion. But if it doesn't, then I am perfectly content digressing. The other exception to this rule is when my friends and I are arguing about complete non-sense, like who is the greatest marvel superhero (Wolverine) or who is the greatest Laker of all-time (Magic Johnson) etc.

In conclusion, while being right, winning an argument, or forcing your opinion on others might make you feel good, in the grand scheme of things, it might do more harm than good as to how people see you. I've subscribed to theory that it's only good to correct someone when you really truly have to.