What do you do when someone misunderstands your intentions?

He is a very rare case, I think. Very few people can argue rationally about things that they are passionate about. I find myself holding back way too much in discussions because of that.

YOu know... seeing it put that way....I guess I have been pretty naive about interaction with people on the internet. My father taught us that we should stand up for what we thought was right, even if it made others uncomfortable or caused us pain. I grew up thinking that all people could, as you put it, agree to disagree. Thats how my family always deals with differences of opinion. In the last few years here on the internet, I've met some who very obviously don't feel that way. Our mutual friend EofE and I disagree like crazy...but he is secure enough that it has never mattered in our long talks and in our friendship. I've learned a lot from him and could possibly learn from others if they didn't get offended and touchy....I guess I just have to learn to be more aware of my choices of when and to whom I speak my mind...I just hate having to second guess myself all the time.

I guess it all boils down to..being comfortable in your own skin (head?). I don't mind when others disagree with me, in fact...I like to learn from their input. I just wish that emotions didn't have to get into the mix. I think that is why EofE and I get along so well despite not seeing eye to eye...he is very rational and accepting of differences of opinion, he doesn't take it personal.

I tend to be an explainer too. Sometimes it works, sometimes it makes it worse. Thanks for responding.

Yes, that's true, but then again it's better to have tried then to not have and then later feel sorry for or feel guilty and wonder why you didn't try. Lol, "you" generally not "you you".

I did try..it made it worse. Now I am trying to 'let it be what it is'. lol Not an easy thing for me. Thanks for your responses. I find it helps to talk it out.

Well I guess that is where I am at. I find that I often care to much about being understood. I have to learn that sometimes it is impossible to set things straight and the person just wants to see the negative. Do you think there are those like that?

Mostly it is people I don't know who misunderstand me. Those that know me will either figure out I didn't mean what they thought I meant and we'll have a good laugh or will forgive me without my asking even. Those who don't know me...just misunderstand and get mad, or stay away from me. I'm not going to stress about it anymore. But thanks for offering some advice. I appreciate the effort.

I agree!

I can see your point, but sometimes there are people that WANT disagreement and will go out their way to be disagreable. Those are the types I stay clear from if I can. If they insist on being difficult, I walk away.