Post #98906 by Monkeyman on Mon, Jun 28, 2004 2:27 PM

I have learned from personal experience that having NO opinion is a "safe" way to avoid conflict in a social group.

Unfortunately, if everyone takes on that approach then conversation never gets very deep or complex. Real relationships are difficult to develop.

We straddle a line between an intimate group of freinds and a diverse group of acquaintances. Comments between an intimate group of freinds can get personal and off color. That approach builds strong freindships and sometimes enemies. Comments in a diverse group of acquaintances must be much more sensitive to everyones feelings.

The only way to consider everyones opinion or feelings is to say everything and nothing. Sort of a politicians approach.

If I want distant and unpersonal interaction, I will get it from the folks at work. I come here to have people who I regard highly tell it like it is and sometimes get supported and sometimes get blasted. I find it much more meaningful.

Can we be pleasant, genuine, and honest at the same time? I don't know.