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And another one I’ve experienced, as a woman, is to comment on my appearance as a way of discrediting me as if how I look has any reflection on what I say.

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Thank you for seeing this out so clearly. I've learned only to engage, if:

• I have some understanding of the topic

• it's something that I think is important

• I'm not tired, hungry, or stressed.

I follow the following strategy:

1. I always start off assuming the other person is keen to widen their understanding, and acting in good faith.

2. I always provide a link to a robust source to support any assertion I make.

3. As soon as I realise that bad faith is involved, I gently suggest that I've evidence all of my assertions, and the haven't for any of theirs (or point out flaws in their evidence).

4. If they persist, I just say 'We'll have to agree to disagree.' and leave it at that.

As you point out, this is a stage. I do the above for the benefit of any agnostic readers, to let them see why the other party was not correct—i.e. a 'teachable moment'.

How long I continue with 2. above depends entirely on how much energy & time I have available!

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Good points, especially (1) - easy to get this wrong when tired/frustrated (have made this mistake in the past)

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Thank you, Adam.

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Adam, I somehow missed this relevant and important post! Thank you; I see this as important as in life these days too.

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