I've only had one person personally attack me for stating an opinion. Boy, oh boy did I stew over it! But in the end I chose not to respond because it wasn't worth throwing fuel on the fire. What I really wanted to say to them was: You are soooo right! I really am an idiot because you obviously know me better than I know myself. But dripping with sarcasm doesn't come across on comments too well.
But I digress. Some people are just itching for a fight and I just want to get along and expand my horizons.
As a fiction writer, I am aware that I need to write in one character's point of view. That means if I'm writing in Johnny's POV, I can't possibly know what Sara's thinking. Doesn't that make sense in real world applications too?
Here's my pet peeve when there's an argument/debate: While I (generally) keep an open mind and will hear out an opposing argument, it drives me crazy when I see people closed off because they're too busy thinking about their own argument rather than LISTENING for valid points. I've often stopped talking in the middle of a sentence, taken a deep breath and said, "Let's agree not to agree" then walk away. It totally takes the wind out of their sails and I don't feel like banging my head against the wall.
haha. brilliant ending, man :)) I should try that sometime!
But you are totally right, we've all had that situation where it's just fueling our rage.
Oh well, live and learn? :D