Exit, Stage Left.

I've realized lately that there are people in this world who just have to argue and fight and debate about every little damn thing. But I am not one of those people and you are desperately mistaken if you believe that I am. (And yes, this involves particular people and situations, so if you're reading this and it sounds familiar, then you have made an oopsie.)

My mind's laundry cycles will often lead me to posting philosophical ponderings or quirky thoughts on my Twitter or Facebook. And just like this blog, they are my opinion. I'm not proclaiming them as law or the new Bible or whatever. I'm not even telling anyone else they ought to think the way I do. I'm just stating what I think for the heck of it. Sometimes people agree with me and say so, or say nothing at all. I honestly don't ever care if I get positive responses or even any.

Buuuut, like I mentioned, there are those people who have to get all up in arms if whatever I've said goes against their personal beliefs. So they challenge me. And they question me. And they try to change my mind or make me see how idiotic I am for believing the things I do.

Which I don't appreciate.

That's not to say I would never change my mind about that certain topic or that I'm not up for a lively discussion. I'm open to hearing differences of opinion or different perspectives, sure, though only if done respectfully and in a non-inflammatory way. If you're looking to pick a fight with me, then you've come to the wrong place, because I refuse to fight with you.

Unless I'm asking for other thoughts or a debate on something, I'm probably not in the mood. Don't take out your pissy little attitude on me because I don't believe what you do about a particular thing. I don't get all over you if you believe something different. If you do what I do and randomly state stuff you believe/think and it highly offends me or goes against what I personally believe, I keep my mouth shut. Because I value friendship more than a debate about differing values.

I have offered my own opinions and perspectives to others of differing opinions, but only ever calmly and not looking for an altercation. Somehow most people get fired up and turn it into a giant fight, complete with disrespect and insults. Such is the internet, I suppose.

I understand that looking at both sides of what I've just said may seem hypocritical, but hear me out. I don't go into either situation to troll or get anyone riled up. In the first instance, I'm lah-dee-dah-ing along and decide to post a random thought I find interesting, no ill will against anyone intended. In the second, I only present my personal thinking because the poster will indicate "I don't understand why this kind of person does this" or otherwise clearly insinuate that they are looking for outside responses.

When I am pushed to explain why I've posted a certain belief or statement, I do, although I'm most likely really annoyed by that point. (No where in the terms of agreement for the particular social networks I subscribe to is it said that I am required to explain every little thing I post. And if I don't want to, then I shouldn't be pressed to.) I still respond respectfully, but mention that I'm not there to fight or debate. If the person continues to push, I will point them towards the exit (which would be the 'unfriend' or 'unfollow' button). In my mind, it's simpler to not argue. My profiles are not the place to do that. If the individual keeps trying to incite me, rile me up, or push my buttons, I simply block them myself.

It isn't that I would never question my beliefs. But for the most part, I know why I believe the things I do. And I think I've got enough other questions to answer without someone who doesn't know a thing about me to bother my about my 'whys'.