Why do people argue?

[Cactus]

I mean take this site for instance, everyone gets along for a couple of weeks, then it all seems to kick off and then censorship has to come into play. What is it about humans that makes us argue with other humans? I'm not a do gooder peace and love merchant, but why can't people rise above criticism and just ignore it?

[flirty41]

I agree Cactus. Why can't people just get on? Yes, we should rise above criticism, but when others are being deliberately nasty, particularly to our 'friends', or running them down, it is human nature to want to come to their defence and that's where the arguments start. We feel we need to be seen to be doing something to help them. If people have nothing constructive to say, and all they can do is sl*g people off, they should just keep stum. That would avoid a lot of conflicts, I think.

[mad_for_it]

Couldn't agree more! you give a little criticism and they spit out the dummy! unbelievable - you think civilised adults could take it on the chin and maybe percieve it as constructive criticism. Peace and Tranquility on Heaven and Earth man...........

[DavidUK]

Arguing, getting annoyed, being irritable, taking offense - it's all part of human nature, unfortunately.

[andy hughes]

It depends on your definition of 'argument'. As far as I am concerned, I have never had an 'argument' with anyone on the Site. I have disagreed, and been disagreed with, and have swopped viewpoints for a few days, but I see it as an exchange of ideas, not a shouting match. That said, I love such exchanges, and I never take, and try very hard not to give offence to any fellow Correspondents, but I have seen a few 'full and frank' exchanges going on. Criticism of my views is fine - that's democracy at work - criticism of me as an individual is a different matter, but thus far I seem to have escaped anything overtly personal - that's the facility of the Net - race, creed, weight, beauty, all are left outside, and that's the strength of debates here. By the way ladies, I am often mistaken for George Clooney, and my bank account has eleven naughts on it, but don't let that infleuence you in any way.

[ravenhair]

oh andy, you old rogue, you . . .

[andy hughes]

Less of the 'old' ....! Oh, Ok, I remember, people do know my age don't they? OK, I'm a 'mature' George Clooney, or what about Pierce Brosnan - he is actually older than me, not that I'm (sob!) jelous or anything!

[Cactus]

You have all made valid points, i'm glad i posted this now. I was a little worried after i had posted it that it might in fact have the reverse effect and actually START an argument within the thread, but you have all behaved in a mature and proper fashion for which i applaud you. :) (i have to admit to having a chuckle over ned flanders first post though!) So are we all friends again? Cos after all, the whole reason we keep coming back here is for a bit of fun. It's fun to learn new things from other users, it's fun to see if you can provide a small nugget of knowledge here and there, and it's fun to get on well with new people. I hate arguing with people (i've never said i don't do it myself) it just causes unnecessary stress and ultimately shortens our lives. I feel slightly hypocrytical today, because i had a massive argument with my father. I'm thinking, "Why don't i listen to myself?" right now. I suppose the only difference is that we had our argument in private, and not in a public place such as here. (cyber-public anyway.) But still, i'm a pretty long way from perfect myself when it comes to arguing. Oh well, back to the fun stuff i suppose! I'm not gonna rate these posts as i don't want to appear to be showing any favouritism in case i get into an argument over it later. ;) You all made excellent points both for and against online arguments, you're all stars as far as i'm concerned!

[sddsddean]

Personally. I don't bother arguing much, 'cos I'm no bloody good at it!!

[Cactus]

Practice makes perfect sddsddean! (what am i saying! Help!) ;)