Never allow anyone to take you out of character.
Do not allow yourself, to ever stoop down to meet anyone, at their level.
Hold your head high, always, and regardless of the situation, always handle yourself with grace, respect, and dignity. (Obviously this isn't always an easy task, but I am hopeful that this post will help you in those moments of intensity).
Gosh, it can be so difficult when in the heat of the moment to not argue with the opposer. To not stoop down to their level and beat them at their own game. Something my dad and my Poppi always said...
Never argue with an idiot, they'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience. This particular saying is something that plays in my mind on a very consistent basis. Whether it be the nonsense you see through social media or the moron working in the office next to yours, the neighbor at the end of the street or that frustrating family member that stays testing you... they will ALWAYS beat you with experience.
The saying conveys that you should never argue with others as they are, more times than not, arguments or debates that are not surrounded by facts and logic, but rather emotions and illogical and oftentimes, irrelevant information. (Of course, this is all dependent on the circumstance, but I'll be damned if 85% of all arguments are emotionally charged and inflicted with emotion at a heightened extent.)
I like to think that the "idiot" that my father and grandfather are referencing are those who are not arguing with respect, empirical evidence or on a basis of, for the better of all. They drag you down to their level, into an emotional fight based on feelings alone rather than any logic.
When said arguments are taking place, oftentimes the "idiot" on the other side is not able to comprehend the opinions other than their own. They are too self-absorbed, or too caught up in their own personal feelings, thoughts, etc. to look at the situation from any other standpoint but their own. They often believe that their opinion is the ONLY possible truth. The life they are living can be seen only through very narrow and unjust points-of-view and makes for a screwed sense of realism.
I like to think that I am able to grasp the concept that each person is unique and will almost always have their very own, sometimes different, thoughts and ideas. I have realized, very early in life, that different points of view are necessary in order to improve and live a balanced life. I try very hard to see life through multiple lenses, through different points-of-view, if you will! I strongly believe that my ideologies may not always be for everyone, and I welcome conversation in order to learn from others, to gather my own opinions and to hear others out- we can truly learn so much from one another!!
But man, those "idiots" never seem to possess those traits. They are unable to see different points-of view and have a very narrow vision. The rigid way of thinking and inability to change their views can make interactions with others quite difficult.
The loudest person in the room, isn't always the most confident person in the room, either. It can be a symptom of masking insecurity or of being too, self-assured. Regardless of intelligence or competency, being over-confident, can rarely be seen as a good thing. I believe that it is always beneficial and even advised, to have a healthy amount of self-skepticism and introspection to keep both our feet firmly on the ground. I work very hard with my children to tell them they are the smartest, kindest people in the room, but that they can learn from each and every person they meet! Older, younger, purple, green, or blue, we truly can learn from each person we encounter.
My advice, when dealing with a situation where you find yourself determining whether to stand tall or reach well below your level, is to simply ignore and move on. Arguing should serve the purpose of solving issues, gaining more knowledge, and gaining a better understanding of a different point-of view, there is no reason to argue with someone who will not meet you in the middle or argue with intent of bettering the situation. You will never be able to change their view or opinion, let alone their behavior. It is not worth the attention and energy even thought that may be hard and challenging at times. I know I like to object with facts and reason, especially when I feel like my point-of-view should be heard, but with some people, you just can't win, regardless of who is right or wrong.
Just because someone has a differing opinion than you, does not automatically classify them as an idiot. As a matter of fact, conflict can be beneficial and dare I even say, good. However, some common traits of such people include failure to entertain difference of opinion and unwillingness to understand differing opinions and in turn being intolerant to anything outside their realm of thought.
All this to say, it is okay to walk away.
Even when you find it difficult, never stoop down to an idiot's level.
You will be beaten with experience and look just as impractical as they appear to be.
Keep that head held high, babe!
XO, Kelleen
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