[Stormieweather]

This is only my personal opinion, but I feel quite strongly that one can disagree with someone else...respectfully. It is absolutely not necessary to condemn, criticize, mock, belittle, or berate in the course of stating one's position even if it is diametrically opposed to another's. I don't consider this to be 'walking on eggshells', but simply behaving in a healthy, mature, and emotionally/mentally secure manner.

I don't feel that in order to bolster my 'rightness', I have to prove my opponent to be 'wrong'. I believe what I believe and you are 100% free to disagree. And just because I don't scream it from the rooftops or TYPE IT ALL IN CAPS, or argue you into submission does NOT mean I don't feel strongly. It merely means I am secure enough in myself for it not to matter if the entire world disagrees with me. I am right with myself.

Someone on another forum posted a quote that said something like, 'True listening is hearing what someone else is saying to the extent you are willing to have your view changed'. I beleive that someone who refuses to hear the possibility that someone else's (differing) opinion may contain truths is someone who is unwilling to grow. And because growth is precious to me, I try to see the potential truth or 'rightness' in everything. Sometimes, this gives me great insights and other times, it merely cements my own position.

But no matter which, I believe that by offering other's the same respect I desire, I maintain my self-respect (which means more to me than anything anyone else can give me).