I try to practice Rekcorc’s Rules myself, starting sentences with “Yes, “Good,” “You’re right,” “Thanks,” and other words with little content other than an (honest) recognition of the value of the person’s statement.
Oddly, I’ve been trying to break exactly that habit in real life—too many people seize on it as surrendering all points under discussion, and then respond to further argument like you’re shooting from a white flag. The reaction is something along the lines of: “What the hell is your problem? You just said I was right!”
Good point [Self-referential humor wink]. But on the other hand, someone once complemented my manner at work (a very rare thing, and I think it was honest), for being respectful of other people’s views using such techniques. And I assure you that after saying these politenesses, I go ahead to politely but assertively, even aggressively contradict people whenever I need to. [Douglas Hofstadter would be proud, self-referential wink #2.]
I try to practice Rekcorc’s Rules myself, starting sentences with “Yes, “Good,” “You’re right,” “Thanks,” and other words with little content other than an (honest) recognition of the value of the person’s statement.
Oddly, I’ve been trying to break exactly that habit in real life—too many people seize on it as surrendering all points under discussion, and then respond to further argument like you’re shooting from a white flag. The reaction is something along the lines of: “What the hell is your problem? You just said I was right!”
LW seems too sane for that, thankfully.
Good point [Self-referential humor wink]. But on the other hand, someone once complemented my manner at work (a very rare thing, and I think it was honest), for being respectful of other people’s views using such techniques. And I assure you that after saying these politenesses, I go ahead to politely but assertively, even aggressively contradict people whenever I need to. [Douglas Hofstadter would be proud, self-referential wink #2.]