As a conservative, liberal or moderate, does too much time and energy get wasted on defensiveness, which may mean extreme strategy or tactics.If you want to avoid being turned unnecessarily to the defense, here are some suggestions.Touche'!sword fighting, or dueling for "honor" or to wasting time on taking and returning insults or magnifying uncomfortable issues out of proportion.
Step 1: People of an opposite or almost opposite view will understand things differently from your own interpretations.
Step 2: Base what is said on the facts, not on defending philosophies or shades of meaning.
It is possible that phesophies are not based on reality.It's not worth the time and energy to try to change people to your view on an issue.It is near impossible to educate a biased opponent.People can be very stubborn."You cannot reason a person out of a position he did not reason himself into," said Swift.
Step 3: Don't call names in advance of your own cause.
The ad hominem is the last resort.A common maxim.Don't use profanity at all costs.As to protect the ego is a common defensive reaction.
Step 4: If an argument or misunderstanding is based on criticism of your ideals and deeply held beliefs, it is optional to defend important principles.
The matter at hand isn't important to ignore.
Step 5: You can laugh at any and all uncouth, shallow, or disrespectful words in messages, responses, and other media.
Step 6: When discussing political issues, be courteous and brave.
Try to speak to the truth behind your position.It pays to be a good listener to reasonable inputs because there are relevant angles to, on and from a given issue.
Step 7: Don't use the opinions of people with different ideals as a gauge of your skills in communicating, selling or persuading.
They might have different views than you do.Don't be overly solicitous or challenge them.Seeking approval or giving in.
Step 8: Accept the person as a fellow human being, but not the wrongly held principles of one who simply refuses to accept your logic or believe that what you say is accurate and factual.
Step 9: Ignore mockery in a public place, and don't respond seriously to shouting of insults from people who obviously think about the world differently.
Step 10: You have a right to see opposing views in a different way, but make sure you appraise your own ideals and opinions so that you don't let others bother you.
Step 11: To prevent anger, a sour mood, or even fury, get over and above any possible irritation related to your views of events.
Life is too short to spend a lot of time scowling."That was then; this is now!" if events are past.I have been there; done that!"
Step 12: Don't insult the people, forgive them and forget about them.
Mark Twain said that a person who won't read has no advantage over someone who can.