There was a thread on social media that I commented on. It was one of those highly volatile topics that take up plenty of air space these days. My words were simply stated, that I had seen a movie which posited that there are more facets to the issue than show up in the news. A person I will never meet shot back a reply.

"What on earth are you talking about? I will never watch that movie."

I left the conversation. 

While it matters not a speck what this guy thinks of me or my opinions, it reminded me how to slam down another person. Should I ever want to. 

Why would I want to? 

The other day I mentioned to someone I love how I was feeling. The response was shaped more like a rebuttal than an invitation to say more. I clammed up. 

While it is not my onus to monitor the way people speak to me, it is my job to keep my words clear of barbs. It is of course more work. Lots more.

When you decide for yourself how everyone around you thinks and feels it frees you up for more time to elaborate on your own positions. 

But then they might quietly leave the conversation.