topic Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word? in Community Chat

In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

excpa — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:21:19 GMT

I read somewhere that a famous person (can't remember who) used to end arguments with "You may be right". I've tried to adopt that and have found it very rewarding.

(I sincerely hope this is the right forum.)

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

Teddie — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:27:44 GMT

I think a person is being open minded when they “give” something to the person they’re speaking with, acknowledging what they said is worth considering. We all want to feel heard, even if there is disagreement.

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

SeaMaiden — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:30:50 GMT

@excpa wrote:
I read somewhere that a famous person (can't remember who) used to end arguments with "You may be right". I've tried to adopt that and have found it very rewarding.

(I sincerely hope this is the right forum.)

@excpa I will try that!

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

Cakers3 — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:31:44 GMT

"I may be wrong and you may be right and by an effort we may get nearer to the truth." - Karl Poppper

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

QVCkitty1 — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:43:50 GMT

How about you've given me something to think about ?

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

TheMemphisVette — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:43:54 GMT

you may be right!

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

deepwaterdotter — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:48:09 GMT

"You may be right, and I may be crazy." - Billy Joel

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

nana59 — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:53:26 GMT

@deepwaterdotter wrote:
"You may be right, and I may be crazy." - Billy Joel

And I just may be a lunatic you're looking for!! Love Billy!!

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

Beth-QVC — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:54:10 GMT

This post has been removed by QVC because it is inappropriate

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

maestra — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:01:51 GMT

@Teddie wrote:
I think a person is being open minded when they “give” something to the person they’re speaking with, acknowledging what they said is worth considering. We all want to feel heard, even if there is disagreement.

I prefer to say that we will have to agree to disagree.

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

blackhole99 — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:23:39 GMT

I don't like to get into an argument over an opinion of something. When I see someone is expending too much energy over something like that, I feel it's not worth it anymore and just say,"whatever you say" and end it.

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

ECBG — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:31:23 GMT

I detest "might makes right". I just say "Then I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.".

If they keep on, I just say "Sorry, you need to turn the page.". I don't argue. No point.

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

juperier — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:34:20 GMT

I tend to automatically allow that the other person "may be right." Yes, it's hard to back down when I'm firmly convinced my opinion is "right." But, honestly, our opinions are based on our prior experiences. Who's to say whether my opinion would be the same if my life experiences had been different.

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

deepwaterdotter — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:35:53 GMT

@juperier wrote:
I tend to automatically allow that the other person "may be right." Yes, it's hard to back down when I'm firmly convinced my opinion is "right." But, honestly, our opinions are based on our prior experiences. Who's to say whether my opinion would be the same if my life experiences had been different.

Astute observation, and so true.

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

Cakers3 — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:46:21 GMT

I also prefer "agree to disagree" - some discussions are just not important enough to keep hammering at regardless if it is opinion or "fact".

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

Kitlynn — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:50:04 GMT

I usually will just end by saying "you have made some good points. "

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

LTT1 — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 22:55:57 GMT

@excpa @Kitlynn @Cakers3 @deepwaterdotter @juperier@ECBG

My favorite, when it applies, is “I need to think about that. Can I get back to you on that?”

Looking back, there are times I wished that I had used this with my students. Once or twice they were trying to “corner” me concerning touchy questions.

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

jeanlake — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 02:32:23 GMT

Getting better at letting opposing opinions drop but if I'm invested in the discussion I may say.... Help me to understand....

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

puttypiesmom — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 02:38:42 GMT

I really appreciate it when someone brings new facts into an argument but if they insult or degrade instead, that turns me off.

Re: In matters of opinion, who has the last word?

Mominohio — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 02:50:41 GMT

@maestra wrote:
@Teddie wrote:
I think a person is being open minded when they “give” something to the person they’re speaking with, acknowledging what they said is worth considering. We all want to feel heard, even if there is disagreement.
I prefer to say that we will have to agree to disagree.

I find this statement to be confrontational and when people use it with me, I know they haven't heard a thing anyone else is saying, but only want the last word, not really any food for thought.

I really think the OP's suggestion and the one about 'giving me something to think about' are much more mature, show that one is open to considering things different than their current opinions, and in general is worth my time and attention in a discussion.

The 'agree to disagree' comment usually leaves me not wishing to carry on any future discussions with the person, as I see it more as a way of pouting and being dismissive.