Would you rather have a discussion with someone with whom you agree or with someone with whom you disagree??

[Serenity4321]

I was thinking mostly about politics and understand we are not to discuss politics here, so the answer can be about any subject. I am on a political board where the majority usually have the opposite position than I have. While it's great to discuss with someone with whom I agree because I often learn points to strengthen my position, I actually prefer to discuss with those with whom I disagree. It challenges me and either strengthens my beliefs or makes me reconsider my arguments.

Discussions can become heated but as long as they are not abusive I like them. I started political boards years ago and in the beginning I used to become very emotional. I finally figured out it was a terrific opportunity to practice self control and tolerance without reacting so very emotionally. After years of going to boards, I do not react as strongly to disagreements or even harsh comments as I used to and I appreciate others opinions that much more. Don't misunderstand - I can still become pod..but not as much as I used to.
So I wondered how everyone else felt about this...TY

 

[Aunt Marg]

I try and approach any/all conversation with an open mind, and if/when the conversation goes sideways, I don't return.

Discussion (for me) is the best when a host of people partake in them, because it lends itself to a more in depth conversation, courtesy of the many opinions and stances that we all have.

 

[raybar]

I learn a lot more from people I disagree with than I do from those who share my beliefs.

 

[Sassycakes]

I had a very intelligent friend who sadly passed away. I loved having conversations with him about anything because he always took the opposite side and they made very interesting conversations.

 

[Happyflowerlady]

I like both kinds of discussions. When you are talking with someone who is interested in the same topic as you are, you can share ideas with each other, and really enjoy the conversation.
When it is a discussion with someone who disagrees, I like hearing why they think the way that they do, and sharing why I think the way that I do. I extremely dislike it if it escalates into an argument, or even when someone is trying to tell you that you have to believe the same way as they do.
It is a big difference between sharing opinions and trying to force the other person to agree with your opinion.

 

[Linda]

I prefer to talk to people who agree with me usually. I don't mind hearing the other side of the story but too often I run into people who are just trying to convince me of something. I especially detest this when it's regarding politics or religion. A lot of people will ask what a person's religious beliefs are, not because they care, but because they want to convert you to their religion.

 

[Rosemarie]

I spend a lot of time alone, pondering on all sorts of things. I would like to be reassured that my opinions are shared by at least one other person.

 

[Kathleen’s Place]

I like both also, but have to agree that I learn more when talking with someone I disagree with. There are only about 2 things in life that I feel 199% about and those two things I won’t discuss with anyone because they are MY beliefs. I have no desire to change anyone else’s minds, and there is no chance in hell that I am changing mine, so I just keep them to myself and feel good about it

 

[Gary O']

Would you rather have a discussion with someone with whom you agree or with someone with whom you disagree??​

Totally depends on their intellect

If they're not the brightest crayon in the box, the discussion doesn't last long, no matter their position

 

[Buckeye]

None of the above. The older I get the less I like "people".

Present company excepted, of course.

 

[Mr. Ed]

Would I rather have a conversation with someone who agrees with me or someone who disagrees? It is hard to predetermined how a conversation will go, however, experience shows in the course of most conversations there is a little give and take. Perhaps only programed machines are one-sided conversationalist.

 

[Murrmurr]

Would you rather have a discussion with someone with whom you agree or with someone with whom you disagree??​

Totally depends on their intellect

If they're not the brightest crayon in the box, the discussion doesn't last long, no matter their position

Good point, Gary.

Once it's established that a person I'm having a conversation with doesn't share my opinion, I always ask why because I really want to know if they read or heard something that I didn't. But, as Gary points out, if they're just regurgitating crap that's going around, and it's clear they don't really know what they're talking about, the discussion is over.

 

[Aunt Bea]

I don't care if people agree with me or disagree as long as they understand the point that I'm trying to make and are willing to accept it for what it is, my opinion.

 

[Gaer]

I don't know!
I know I like to read things from an opposite view to try to understand why they feel that way. Sometimes, in a discussion, I'll introduce opposite views from my own, just to widen the discussion.

 

[rkunsaw]

I find it hard to have a true discussion with some people because they want to tell their side but refuse to listen to an opposing view. I'm thinking of a phone conversation I had with my sister last week.

I do like to get in a good discussion but seldom have anyone around these days.

 

[hollydolly]

I don't care if people agree with me or disagree as long as they understand the point that I'm trying to make and are willing to accept it for what it is, my opinion.

that's exactly me. It's irritating to put a point out and be attacked for it rather than have someone reply to the question or point in a civilised manner... rather start name calling...

 

[Serenity4321]

Thank you to everyone...one of my best friends said they would prefer someone who agreed with them and since I prefer the opposite, at least for politics, I thought I'd ask...TY for the input

 

[Lee]

It depends, on forums it's nice to hear another point of view. Sometimes a disagreement could change a persons mind.

In real life if it is someone I really do not know well I have a tendency to go silent on a subject or attempt to change the subject if I sense the other person has strong feelings opposite to mine on an important subject.

 

[Serenity4321]

It depends, on forums it's nice to hear another point of view. Sometimes a disagreement could change a persons mind.

In real life if it is someone I really do not know well I have a tendency to go silent on a subject or attempt to change the subject if I sense the other person has strong feelings opposite to mine on an important subject.

lol I can relate...I have met people raving on and on over an issue with a POV with which I totally disagreed. In trying to keep the peace I have said...'a lot of people will agree with you' and left it at that

 

[Ruth n Jersey]

I enjoy a conversation with like minded people. We still can have a difference of opinion on many subjects but if we are on the same wave length of what we prefer to talk about our time together is more meaningful and fun.
I might add that I do like people who will be up front with me.
If I ask someone if they like my new hat ,purse, whatever, I would appreciate an honest answer and not one they think I want to hear.

 

[Liberty]

Thank you to everyone...one of my best friends said they would prefer someone who agreed with them and since I prefer the opposite, at least for politics, I thought I'd ask...TY for the input

Think the unfortunate thing is with politics it seems so many are so politically biased it quickly escalates into anger. If I recognize anger in the person I'm having the discussion with, I quickly shut it down by changing the subject or leaving, etc.
Life is too short to endure anger. However, lets face it, some people are incapable of extended periods of serenity...lol.

 

[Serenity4321]

Think the unfortunate thing is with politics it seems so many are so politically biased it quickly escalates into anger. If I recognize anger in the person I'm having the discussion with, I quickly shut it down by changing the subject or leaving, etc.
Life is too short to endure anger. However, lets face it, some people are incapable of extended periods of serenity...lol.

Liberty..wise move on your part to change the subject. Politics can bring out the worst in many and you are right..life is too short and we need to practice more serenity

 

[Lewkat]

It would depend on the subject at hand. Being on a debating team brings one to enjoy opposition, but not all things are equal, so again, it depends.

 

[Don M.]

I like to discuss a topic with Both...those who agree, and those who disagree. Sometimes, those with a different opinion have facts that I wasn't aware of. However, if/when the response turns into Sarcasm or Snide Remarks, I quickly lose interest in the conversation. Even on this forum, there are a couple of people who seem to have nothing of substance to contribute, and probably have excess time on their hands.

 

[Irwin]

A lot of people use "alternative facts" when debating, that is, facts with no basis in reality. I have no desire to hear anything they have to say. And those are the people who will start screaming and calling you names if you don't agree with them. They're completely irrational.

That said, I'm all for hearing apposing viewpoints when we agree on the facts. I've been known to change my mind occasionally when someone makes a good point or provides some information I wasn't aware of.