I write publicly. Not only here, but I’ve got a few other places where I share thoughts and opinions. Sometimes I share opinions that – gasp! – not everyone agrees with. And sometimes these folks share their disagreements with me. Passionately.
I almost always respond the same way when someone shares a strong counter-opinion with me: curiosity. I don’t claim to be infallible and I try not to accidentally act like I am. So when someone opines at me, I usually respond with something like “Could be! Could you tell me more about your experiences that led you to this thought?”
And nine times out of ten, that’s just… the end of the conversation. I really am curious, but I also seem to have accidentally stumbled onto a surefire way to end pointless arguments before they begin. Because if I don’t get an answer to that question, I’m guessing the other person just wanted to argue.
I don’t mind.
The Opportunity Machine 