Opinionated

Do you know someone who is opinionated? Sure, we all do. Some people have no opinion, some people have an opinion but it holds no conviction, and others are opinionated which means that they are stubborn in their opinion.

We have all been in a group conversation where there is a controversial topic being discussed. Some will sit back and just take it all in, only mildly interested, and would sooner be at home watching old re-runs of "Seinfeld" on the TV.

Others will say things like "I can see your point of view, and on the other hand," as he turns to somebody else,"I can see your points too. They are valid" This type of person either has no convictions or is truly open minded and wants to come to a consensus on the topic, usually because conflict bothers him or her.

Then there are the opinionated people who really liven things up and may even dominate the conversation. They are passionate and state their position not only clearly, but forcefully. The opinionated person does not like to lose the argument and will rarely back down. They like to be right and will defend to the bitter end even if they are beginning to sound nonsensical.

So where is the right and wrong here, or is there right and wrong. I see pros and cons to being opinionated. Such people can liven up conversation and can be interesting, if they know their subject matter. On the other hand, they can be boring and over bearing by their incessant rants. They will often look for opportunities to vent their pet peeves and they freely give their opinion to anyone and everyone, whether solicited or not.

Do these people know what they are doing? Are they doing it on purpose to gain attention, whether negative or positive? Are they irksome or are they interesting? Are they always black or white with no in between? Is this decisiveness or is it being closed minded? 

There is an editorial everyday on the news radio station I listen to, given by Bruce Allen. It is called 'Reality Check'. When you listen to Bruce, you know exactly where he stands and you either agree with him or you do not. His 3 minute spot on the radio is popular, but why?  

More thoughts on this tomorrow and I will let you know who I think is opinionated and what I think of him.