Among Friends

[pupwhipped]

LOL! Good one, @Desertdi.

[Oznell]

To me, there are several different dimensions to this.

If people are discussing public figures, for example, who have done things one finds objectionable, then it's fine to express that.  That's free speech, and it's vitally essential.  I personally would stop short of calling names, attaching vile epithets to them, etc.  That debases the critique, in my opinion.  Keep things on a rational, reasoned and factual basis.

As far as interpersonal discussions--   I won't say anything to anyone online, that I wouldn't say if we were having a face-to-face conversation.   That automatically rules out personal attacks, impugning the motives of the other person, and a lot of the other stuff that so sabotages communication. 

I'll disagree (and do disagree intensely, with SO much that is expressed on social media, here, there and everywhere) in the realm of ideas, all day long.  But there has to be a rock-bottom respect or tacit acknowledgment of each other as human beings.

If there isn't at least that, I quickly lose interest in whatever the conversation is, and disengage, like I would if someone behaved that way in real life.

Just the self-imposed rules that allow me to feel good, and not sorry, about how I interact in the world. 

[Jacie]

What is funny to me, is that some of the posters who really need to read and absorb this thread, won't!

[hckynutjohn]

@Group 5 minus 1 

Easy to agree. Each person's opinion is just that, nothing more. Unfortunately, the world around us has changed. Seems to be next to impossible to have a different opinion than others.

As opposed to having good opposing views, and friendly discussions! Once the other's opinion differs, some resort to end the discussion, or worse, inject name calling or borderline slanderous statements.

Only a couple topics that are hard for me to "butt out". Had many differences of opinions and ideas most of my life, and with people in all walks of life. My facts usually ended most of them in my favor. Now!!!

hckynut 🇺🇸

[Regal Bee]

Differing opinions are fine with me but it is NOT what you say but how you say it. 

There is no excuse for rude and unkind remarks. A point can be made without harshness.  That is my opinion. 

[hckynutjohn]

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@Venezia wrote:

Just wondering what brought this topic on?  The "can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" comment?

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Did I miss something while I wasn't online?

@Venezia 

Not that I know anything about. To me it is just the present life around me, and many others, especially in our country. 

I am not into "polite" or "roberts rules", or other similar things when it comes to conversing. This is the way I have been all my adult life, and even my teens. Can get along with most people without "please/sir" or similar verbs/adverbs or pronouns.

Differing opinions via text! Is a whole different world than doing it via phone. And far from the best way, which is face to face. Typed words have little feeling other than the words themselves. 3 people reading the same words can interpret them in 3 different ways, and both ends of what an author actually meant. Long enough,

hckynut 🇺🇸

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In the spirit of this thread, however:  I don't expect everyone to agree with everyone else, but I think there are polite ways to disagree.  I don't accept some of the vitriol and personal attacks I've seen on these boards.

Disagreement is fine; it just shouldn't be allowed to descend to personal bullying and name calling.  JMO. 

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[shoesnbags]

It's not a differing opinion that causes the problem; it's how the opinion is expressed.

[CalminHeart]

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@FranandZoe wrote:

And it doesn't mean you are being rude if you have a dissenting opinion.

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Sadly, that's how too many people take it and is the reason many posts get poofed.

One has to wear their big girl/boy pants when posting anywhere.

[CalminHeart]

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@QVCkitty1 wrote:

It depends on the opinion and the tone. If the opinion is despicable , judgement is reasonable.

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Most of the time, people read their own narratives in someone else's post or comment by a host. 

[Luvsmyfam]

@Venezia Well said!