Conversational Respect.

   So many people want their opinion to be heard but it seems no one wants to hear the other persons side. I have had many conversations as of late with people about religion,politics and many other subjects that we are told early on that you should never discuss among friends. I feel you should be able to discuss anything that is important to you but the one major thing I see that most people do wrong in doing so is that they enter the conversation on the defense and ready for a fight or an argument before the other person even speaks one sentence. To argue is fine and to want your point to be heard is also fine but knowing how to give and take and be respectful of the other person seems to be lacking in most conversation I witness. To know when to walk away or agree to disagree when to back away is a conversational art that seems to be lacking. I have been in conversations were my point of view is different from the person I am speaking with and find the first thing they want to do is to hurl insults and start calling me names. I do not know about you but if I am insulted or verbally attacked my mind shuts the door on the possibility of any of the other persons words to penetrate the anger that rises within me so much so that I do not hear anything they have to say. I have also had those conversations when the other person and even I have done this, is to say those _________ insert group in the blank think this way or are this way or that thing. I hate that I do this myself because I know I hate when people assume things about me or try to group me into a cut and dried cookie cutter world because I agree with someone on one thing or the other. They assume because I agree with one statement someone makes that I follow their whole philosophy on life.

Realist,pragmatic,philosophical,religious,scientific etc each person must find his or her own path and I feel there is room for each but also know when the choices made based on any of those type mind sets I try to do in a way I do not exclude the thoughts and feelings of others. I have my lines in the sand that no matter how much debate is given I will never change my mind but if I stay open enough I may be able to see why the other persons have the outlook on a subject they do.