The quickest way to turn a healthy debate into an unhealthy debacle is to have it with someone who turns your words around until they mean something else. Then
he argues that point, completely ignoring what you really said.
Why do they do that?
- Sometimes it’s that you’re absolutely right but it’s a truth they’re not ready to acknowledge.
- Sometimes they just like a fight.
- And sometimes they want to let you know how little your thoughts or feelings matter to them.
What can I do?
If you find yourself dealing with that third type,
avoid them if at all possible. That’s a form of abuse, and letting them get by with it is not going to reward you or them, and it may even encourage them to do it more.
If they’re just argumentative, you may be able to enlighten them about more rewarding argument strategies. Some people are willing to learn, if only you explain to them why their tendency to look for a fight sucks for you, and what you wish they’d do instead.
If you’re delivering a truth they just can’t handle, stick to your guns mercilessly.
- Tell them they’re deflecting the point;
- Tell them that’s not what you said;
- Tell them everything they’re saying is irrelevant and they can either deal with what you really said or go away.
It may sound mean, but reasonable doesn’t work on people who are unreasonable.
It’s the authority figure whose in a position to punish me even if all I do is stand up for myself
One obvious solution is to avoid arguing with this person. Just nod politely and bow out of any arguments they start as quickly as possible. If they won’t let you do that:
- Enlist allies. Rarely do these people only annoy or harass just one person. Check with co-workers, your other parent, etc., to see if they feel it’s hard to communicate with the person. Remember your words might get back to the person, so choose them with care in case you’re forced to explain them later.
- Twist their words first. You’d be surprised how many of these people are powerless to escape from their own trap when it’s turned on them. Pay attention to how they do it and learn those techniques.
- Look for people who are able to dominate the person for reasons other than having authority over them. If the person doesn’t pull this stuff on some of his friends, observe how they keep him leashed and see what you can learn.
- If you find this person doesn’t pull this on everyone, but just on people “like you” (i.e., his opposite political party or just people in one department of your workplace or, unfortunately, people of certain races, religions, etc.), then you’re dealing with a bigot. There’s not much one can do with bigots, especially if they’re in authority. It’s time to go to someone who has authority over them, if possible – especially if you’re reasonably sure the people above them don’t share their bigotry.
Extracted from
here.
I guess words can kill ourselves if we're not be careful with them. A reminder to myself: think before we say anything... Our initial intention mungkin suci murni, which we just want to stand up for ourselves, but how do we do it? Listen and observe first then learn from the TWISTER... Hurmmm...
