@Jerry Adams To this I could add my dislike for the way lotteries are set up. But, I've worn it out earlier. Ups my BP, too! Suffice to say that of the one-dollar ticket sold, 11 cents automatically goes to the seller, 48 more cents goes for "Administrative Costs", and the rest accrues to be sold to the highest bidder, usually a big life insurance company. People buying the tickets are duped and hoodwinked, in reality, with no one ever knowing/...... Frank
I don't have enough energy to do anything on the patio that would be worth someone getting their ladder out of the garage, much less climbing it.
Very good analysis and I would add a couple of mental deficiencies as dyslexia and poor cognitive and coping skills. @faye If you think it's hard to be a friend to that person try being a parent. @bess
I've only recently discovered that being combative is something certain individuals need to express on their journey toward their own destination for a better understanding. They may be in error but it's the approach they have chosen as a means to an end. What seems to work, for myself at least, is escalating my response to their level of intensity. This way I can "lower" myself to their level and expectation - for it's then that I can flip the situation to a moment of mutual respect through deflation. Difficult to explain but this approach seems to be successful given some accuracy in its timing. Each time I've employed this pugilistic stance, witnesses have informed me they were pleasantly surprised by the peaceful (and sometimes jovial) outcome to what may have seemed to be the start of a brawl. ymmv
There are those that like to "stir the pot" and cause all kinds of drama...once I know that's what is being done I find an excuse to get away...and then I stay away from them.
Would never 'lower' myself to their level - a few words is all I can muster in such a situation, not worth the energy needed
I am pretty sure he meant lowing himself to ‘their level of understanding”. It’s kind of a mental “touchy feely” kind of thing. Ascertain as best you can what the understanding / intelligence level the person whom you are speaking to is at and then proceed forward on that level. E.g. a quantum physics professor certainly couldn’t teach basic math by using terms that are prevalent in quantum physics. He or she has to teach on the level of that student in order make an impact. The same goes for an argumentative person. You can’t make a point with a person with an average education and experience by using $20 words. A person might dazzle and baffle an adversary with brilliance and bull poop but in the end, there will be no understanding established. Of course, there are just some folks who really love arguing for the sake of arguing and for them, there is nothing that can be done but let them be the curmudgeon they really wish to be.
Have to admit that my approach is somewhat divisive but for some people this is about what it might take. It's not a choice for everyone and realizing the risk that they may act out in a physical manner, so far at least, this ploy seems to have won more 'battles' than have remained unresolved.
Totally with you there, Bobby Cole, one has to distinguish between the attainable solution or a situation of diminishing returns.
I was raised to the one plus thoughts, take the way the person is treating you and go 1 + either way, sure many will not agree but just me there. I do not hold back much but say what I think, always been that way. Sometimes my parents would try to keep me out of a conversation due to that.
I buy the occasional lottery ticket. I am neither duped or blinded. I know that the chance of winning is infinitesimal, I also know that the dollar or two that I spend means practically nothing to my budget. I really don't give a damn about the mechanics of the operation. I am also told that I am an aggressive confrontational person. I don't feel as though I am,I have an (usually) informed opinion that is just as valid as the next guys and I will defend it. I just don't suffer bullshit lightly. If that makes me aggressive and confrontational, so be it!
Cody--I know this post was a while back, but I'd just like to recommend that you NEVER open your door to anyone you don't know. The Bibles they carried could have been props; a means to get into your apartment and harm you. These days it doesn't pay to be trustworthy (as I try to hammer this point home with my husband who opens the door to anyone.) Home invasions are becoming more common every day.