Point Taken
Lately, and with more frequency, I have been finding myself in the middle of arguments when I suddenly realize that the person I am arguing with has a point. A warning bell goes off that I may just not be right.
When this first started happening I resisted. I’d cling to some rapidly diminishing point, my tone getting more agitated and my argument getting, even to my ears, more irrational and outlandish. Inevitably, I’d storm out of the room, only to come crawling back a few hours later to admit, with lots of qualifications, that their argument might possess some merit.
Now, I’m making the transition much more quickly. I can go from stating my point, hearing the rebuttal, and acknowledging the merits of their case, while sidestepping the yelling and the angry exit altogether.
I have positions I feel are harder to dislodge, but these are things I’ve thought about for years, conclusions based on my core liberal ideology and logical reasoning. But so many other things I say aren’t subject to much thought or scrutiny. These are the things that people most often take issue with, and while it’s easier and still, I admit, my first inclination to get belligerent and trounce off, I’m working on it. While it might seem like a contradiction in terms, I am learning to stand my ground and stay flexible.