We spend a lot of time trying to explain ourselves, or correct something when posting online. It's particularly true when dealing with the emotional issue of religion.
Many times, there seems to be a great difficulty making our words, (in black and white), say and mean what we intend. Sometimes, it appears that people are on a rant, defensive, angry, etc. and don't give a hoot about what you are saying.


Here is the advice: "Never waste your time trying to explain who you are to people who are committed to misunderstanding you."


Don't waste your breath, as my son says.

I'm going to work on it! :-)

Much of what I post is based on what I need to hear. I'm not trying to convince anybody. I just share my thoughts.

I'm predominantly referring to the threads that go on and on with posters trying to make their point clear, while someone, (it appears) is more interested in being an annoyance and purposely misconstruing the statements just to get a rise out of someone and keep the thread going, with people often becoming more and more frustrated and angry.
It's gone on for years with some of the same posters.

Preach it Sister.

giggle . . .

Thank you for the advice and reminder; I think it is something to consider regardless of which role one is playing in the exchanges you describe.

When I read a strange response to something I post, I sometimes wonder: are they purposely misreading my comments, or they just having a "stupid" moment? :-)

The old TBM ways die hard. Being right for the sake of being right, waiting for you to stop jabbering so they can say what they want to say and be right. As if righteousness is a virtue. Goodness is a virtue. They're not the same thing.

SusieQ, you're right.

Trouble is...sometimes it's hard to tell when that's the case, or when some more explanation/discussion WILL lead to understanding.

:)

She sure is.

I can usually tell by the annoyed tone. Why be annoyed if you are just discussing something. Why get personal?


Kathleen

I saw a bumper sticker from a militant agnostic which read, " I don't know and neither do you." Words to live by.

I WANT that bumper sticker!

Am I being obtuse if I ask, if you consider someone "not knowing" to be "militant," or if you knew this person usually to be armed for bear?

Are you being funny?

Then how would one be offended?

Cpete Wrote:
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> Then how would one be offended?


You won't. One has to "take" offense!
I refuse!
It's impossible to offend me!

I hope that doesn't get interpreted as an invitation to try. Just saying. (Grin)

NeverMoJohn Wrote:
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> I hope that doesn't get interpreted as an
> invitation to try. Just saying. (Grin)


Many have tried and failed! :-)

It appears sarcasm and humor can be confused with sincere remarks. I blow coffe out my nose pretty frequently with comments here..many are sarcastic responses. Throw it back at them. Well rounded, witty bunch you all are.

Whether I go on and on or not, how THEY take it is none of my business. I'll say what I have to say...and let the chips fall.

noNOtojoe Wrote:
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> Whether I go on and on or not, how THEY take it is
> none of my business. I'll say what I have to
> say...and let the chips fall.


Ahhh...yes... the reader takes responsibility for how they respond to the written word.

I like to follow the 2nd Agreement in the Four Agreements: "Don't take anything personally."

People who use ad hominems: insults, personal attacks are not interested in a conversation or discussion. Best to ignore that nonsense. (I have a huge Blocked list on FB because of those kinds of immature responses.)

The tone of this board often reflects years and years of Mormon brainwashing. Only a handful of posters seem to have a sense of humor. Just an observation.