have you ever avoided a discussion because you didnt want to sound negative?

I have learned to stay out of any discussion that is even close to anything having to do with anything that is not only negative but could be controversial. Some stupid things like what Operating system do you use has decreased my * because people don't believe the same as I do. The great thing (or it should be the great thing) about myLot is that we all have our own opinions and we can get to know those different opinions. Instead we all talk about the weather, ice cream, and music. Thanks Zelo

You are not the only one my friend, I feel the same way, sometimes it's best to steer clear, however on the other hand I think some people need to vent their anger and their point of view to get it off their chest, sometimes it's just rhetorical and they want to sound off, sometimes they are looking for an argument or sometimes it's just a one off! Many a times I have avoided these sorts of discussions, I just don't want to be dragged in or unwillingly upset someone because I disagree with them, with close friends it's different but with some people you get to know it's best to avoid the discussion, you learn by your mistakes too for responding when afterwards in hindsight you wished you had left well alone!

Yes, quite a lot. I don't want to add to any whining or just rational complaints. I mean sometimes if I have something similar going on, and the discussion is reasonable, I'll respond. But I don't like discussions people post about others in the 'guise' that is it just a regular discussion. Or if it someone is negative throughout every single discussion they do. I'd rather just pass by them since they are many more worthwhile to respond to.

Yes sometimes I just know I'll cause a heated debate if I say something, and some of those times I just do not have the energy for it. Sometimes I think it is very interesting - I learn a lot from debates. Other times it is just painful to have someone get mad at me.

Yes, I have avoided discussions to avoid being negative. Sometimes I read a discussion and think 'stop being a whiney baby,' but of course that wouldn't help the person, so I don't post. I have received a response like that and it upset me, so I would not do that to another person. I also sometimes avoid controversial discussions because I am not in the mood for an argument. I have responded, and even posted, controversial topics, but when I am not in the mood to discuss certain things, or to read nasty comments from people who disagree, I stay away.

I know what you mean. There have been many times I have passed up forum discussions even if the subject is something I am passionate about because I don't want to argue with the person or people. Everyone has a right to their opinion but many people sound really angry and it isn't worth it to fuel the fire. I enjoy participating in discussions where everyone listens to each other's opinion and doesn't get negative or angry if you don't agree.

Yes I do this. If I can't actually add something, I will pass it by. Or some people's discussions just don't rub me the right way.

Yes yes yes yes ...all the time There are many people that really do not want your honest opinion they want to hear whet the want to hear and after a bit you can feel that Actually I try not to be mean or negative but sometimes it's not what you say but how someone hears it! xoxoxoxoxo

Hi cher, Yes, I have bypassed discussions that I did not feel I could contribute positively to. If someone is whinning, or complaining, or ranting, sometimes the best thing to do is not reply. If it is someone you know a bit about, then you may want to brave the storm, and try to add something positive to a negative discussion. The biggest reason I come here is to earn things from other people and to share what I know that might be beneficial to someone else's life. Confrontations are not my forte. LOL On the other hand, some people need a place to vent, and then they feel better abouot whatever it is that was bothering them. Some of these people sometimes can take a negative comment, or NOT. While venting, I would like others to make comments, to help me get back in control of the situation, and to just plain tell me to get it together. All people deal with these situations differently, so it is up to the reader if they want to make a friend or an enemy. They may just surprise you, and thank you for your comment, whether it be negative or positive. Have a nice day..

Well, cher913, I have certainly avoided certain discussions that I felt weren't all that positive. So, I guess I am agreeing with what you are saying. I don't feel it's necessary for me to get caught up in alot of negative thinking and communicating. There's an expression, perhaps it's an old Confucious saying that, "Poison destroys the vessel in which it's found." In other words, if I become negative, then it destroys me rather than the subject of the negativity. So, I work hard to stay out of discussions if I can't think of something positive or honest to state. Take care.