Debates. Arguments. Discussions?

Several years ago, I would get into debates about the most trivial things. There was one argument I got into about whether a cordless phone should be placed on its base all day long. He said that phones should be placed elsewhere for battery purposes. I said that the base was not designed that way and should not be used that way. What a stupid argument that was.

Sometimes it\’s an intellectual challenge, but most times, it\’s not. It\’s dividing people, making them more extreme in beliefs than before. People take it personally.

Those people with dignity, you know those charismatic and admirable ones, somehow avoid these topics together. In social situations, it\’s easier to let someone who believes in a cause win. Because ultimately talking about a belief makes one feel important. Why steal the spotlight even if we know the belief is wrong? Just give a benefit of doubt, because in the end, a disagreement is not worth it when it ends in hurt feelings.

I used to love conflict and drama, but it\’s tiresome.

I know someone who hates the Bay Area with a passion. I can see why, but I defended the benefits. But he continued to rant. I could never convince him otherwise, but I wasn\’t there spending time with him to argue. Friendship was the reason I was there. Just let him have the spotlight. Let him win despite a personal disagreement. Let him get out it of his system.

This comes from a philosophy that anger is misplaced energy. But when is it ok to debate in something you believe in? When it involves personal relationships?