I Enjoy Meaningful Conversations

I agree with you. The frustration I have with politics right now is that there seems to be zero interest in give-and-take. And, I am not talking about the politicians who are just delivering what "the customers" seem to be craving. It seems our society, for now, has chosen to elevate the ideals of "no-compromise," shouting alternate views down with malice, affiliating with a point-of-view with such intensity there is no room for self-doubt or reasoned counter-arguments. This one-sided obsession seems to be spreading at an alarming rate. What I fear is conforming to this norm to the extent I lose my perspective and like a zombie without a fully functioning brain, follow along because that's what society seems to currently value.

Yes, exactly. It's like people are not interested in conversation for growth and understanding. It seems it is more for self-absorbed validation. Sometimes, that makes me sad; other times it makes me wonder why we (humans) seem to need so much validation. And, once in awhile, it makes me suspect, maybe I am not the only one (on the planet) who struggles to connect with others.

Yes, perhaps. Although, truth be told, I must confess that sometimes I find I am guilty of being self-absorbed, possibly (somewhat) guilty of narcissism, and hypocritical. But... I genuinely do try to catch myself and sometimes I succeed. Still, the idea of engaging in substantive conversation that leads to new ideas based upon collaborative principles of open communication does excite me...

You are human. I am guilty of the same down falls. But over the years I have learned to try to curb the tendencies as much as I can. I try hard to sympathize. To be human is to stumble and fall. To be a good human is to pick yourself up, learn and don't repeat. A good conversation Can broaden my mind. I consider it a great day when I can learn from other's mistakes as well as mine.

I guess that is one part of what I am hoping to get from this site and my participation here. Ideally though, I will be able to figure out how to take any skills I develop online and transfer them to real-world applications that might help me connect with others so that I don't feel so cast-out.

I know what you mean. With all the shouting and yelling, it is almost impossible to hear the reasonable arguments. No possibility of growth.

Yes a world of narcissists