Opinions are like navels . . .

I frequently guard my opinion. Not that I feel I should have to, but somethings are better left unsaid. I don't like to give an opinion when I know it's going to hurt someones feelings, even when they ask. Sometimes I have been all set to respond to a discussion and then while reading and seeing the comments on responses...and decide the person that started the discussion is a jerk so I don't bother...lol I have never figured out why people ask for an opinion and then blast you for giving one they don't agree with...that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I ONLY give it when I am asked for it. I have learned the hard way when you put in your two cents worth (even if don't mean any harm) people can take it the wrong way.

I response to some topics that are too delicate and try to watch for my responses where I think someone would leave a comment that I'm sure would be targeted by some radicals. I would surely defend my point and explain my views to prove my reasons. But if I see them still commenting that's already out of the subject, I just ignore it and maybe sometimes give them what they wanted (a negative rating!LoL). But most of the times, I just stay off of it. Especially to those whom I know have nasty reputations!;)

Yes there are many times I have found in my life where I will not give my opinion as I think that the person I have to give my response to may not like what I want to say, especially when it may come to hurting somebody's feelings. Sometimes I find this on mylot and when I do I do not reply I just delete that one, but if it comes to my friends I will tell them as we are straight forward with each other and that is why our friendship has lasted nearly 30 years, we have had our ups and downs but we get over it because we remember the good time not bad time with each other.

i blunder into everyone's universe and suffer from foot in mouth all the time lol..i offend people just by existing lol..but i don't ever mean to..just clumsy i guess lol..you are a lovely person..can't see you harming a fly..

I won't say that I like being flamed or ridiculed, but that won't stop me from voicing my opinion if I feel it's important. I won't go out of my way to try to hurt someone's feelings, but if they are asking for an opinion, I will try to give it in the least hurtful manner I can and still be honest about it. On online forums, if I've got an opinion and don't voice it I a) haven't seen the topic or b) am being lazy about taking the time to type it :) My $0.02 at the moment.

I refrain from giving my opinion sometimes for the very reasons that you mentioned. If it's going to hurt someones feelings then it's often better to keep them to ourselves. Mom might have been right on target when she said 'if you can't say something good don't say anything at all.' As far as discussion forums go though, if they don't really want to hear an honest opinion of how you feel, then they shouldn't pose the question in the first place. One thing nice is that we all have our own minds and thoughts about things. If everybody agreed on everything all the time, there would be no further progress in our thought proccesses, because you wouldn't stop and think about any alternative views, only our own. Seeing different views on different subjects lets us understand and see things from different perspectives. I've found it's just easier to ignore those who choose to flame or ridicule us for having an opinion different than their own. We each have different opinions because our life circumstances were different that led us to our current reasoning on a subject.

I never give my opinion unless it is asked for. I will not just give it out. And, even then, I must be sure that the person is serious, and really wants to know it, not something they just want to hear to agree with them. I don't want to hurt anyone either. Blessings, M&M

I too refrain from giving my opinion in certain situations. There discussions that my friends have started that I know I can answer and be myself. I tend to stick to my friends discussions more often now.

I will be more cautious too. I didn't think my lot would be any different than anywhere else, but I turned out to be wrong. Yes, flamed, blamed, and in big trouble for giving my opinion. Caution is the word.

Depends on who it is. I will give my opinion to loved ones and my kids but I won't to someone I don't know to well. I use to but being here on mylot has taught me a lesson or two on that. Not everyone agrees with my opinion, I can deal with that I can even sit in front of them when they tell me I am wrong and show me but for some people they arent that way so I have become more quiet.

I am VERY opinionated. I try to not let myself hold my opinions back just because I think I'd be ridiculed. I can usually handle that. It's when I'm afraid I'll serious offend someone or get me in loads of trouble that I refrain from voicing said opinions. Otherwise, I see no reason not to, mostly. :)