I love disagreeing with people.
I love it when they disagree with me. (In an infuriating kind of way, because obviously I'm always right.)
I really enjoy a good argument. Like, REALLY enjoy it.
I think they're healthy. I like hearing other perspectives, different sides to the story that I might not have otherwise considered. I like discussing things and I love nothing more than honesty.
Most of the time, though, I just keep my mouth shut. I've come to realise that most people don't feel the same about disagreements as I do.
A lot of people find it disconcerting to have someone say they're disagreed with. It gets people's guards up and they shut down, the fear of not being right overtaking any chance of a real debate. We all have our moments like this, but some find the whole idea of it really confronting.
Words like, 'Lighten up' or 'Let's agree to disagree' or just a shrug close off any chance of a conversation where either person might have their mind opened, or at the very least use their brain to talk through an issue.
So I say, let's bring in an open disagreement agreement - a world where we can (respectfully) air our opinions and not be shot down or waved away.
Let's argue!
As I often say - it isn't called confrontation, it's called conversation.
What do you think? Agree or disagree?
Channelling your inner Monty Python? ;)
ReplyDeleteI love a good debate, as long as it's productive and we all learn things!
I'm a fan of debates and disagreements, though not confrontation - I think they are very different things (well they are in my world). I enjoy hearing other points of view and love it when people are passionate enough to tell me why they think the way they do.
ReplyDeleteI'm really disappointed when people who respectfully disagree and offer their opinions are labeled as trouble makers or encouraged to shut up. Differing opinions is what makes it interesting.
I'm with Glowless - I love debates but not confrontations. Confrontations have an element of, "Please let me point out to you why I think you truly suck!" whereas debates are healthy ways to see other people's perspectives I reckon. I love a good debate and sometimes I may even concede that the other person has a point! :) I used to do debating competitively that's how much I like it (and I once made the state team). x
ReplyDeleteI'm with ya. I love a good conversation ;) I think it's good when people don't agree, though it doesn't have to get heated or anything. It's interesting to see why people feel the way they do, especially if its not the same as me :)
ReplyDeleteI like intelligent debate with calm, rational people. I come from a long line of hepped-up screamers, and they make my blood boil and I can't enjoy the give-and-take of different opinions and information. they've scarred me for life, and when someone gets passionate in a debate, I shut down. What's the point in arguing? Neither one is going to change their mind. I don't like argument, but sharing opposite opinions is eye-opening. I just wish I didn't have such a negative reaction to it.
ReplyDeleteSadly I am guilty of sitting on the fence so much that I've probably got splinters in my bum!
ReplyDeleteThat being said though, if it is something I am extremely passionate about, and feel comfortable with the person, I will engage in the tactic I call "conversation over confrontation".
I run away screaming from confrontation, I am really hopeless and if my opinion is challenged, all my well thought out arguement flies out the window and I become a stammering mess, so I probably avoid it more than I should.
ReplyDeleteIf I am in a 'safe' environment, I don't mind saying I disagree in a situation if I know my opinion will be respected for what it is - just a different opinion.
I agree that debates and arguments are a great way to learn the other person's viewpoint and open our own minds to new things, new ways of seeing things, that we may not have considered before. Unfortunately, I suck at debates and arguments. Mostly because i know what I want to say, but not how to say it. I don't know how to get my point across. In real life conversation I mean. Perhaps it stems from early childhood years being told to keep quiet.
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