The Art of Conversation
What is really sad in my mind is the decline of the art of conversation. I have noticed that a lot of people have become influenced by the "debate shows" on the TV where people are practically yelling at each other and not really ever discussing a point.
In that realm I noticed that a close friend and I have been really falling into these types of conversation that resemble the TV political discussion shows. And that is really sad. I remember that this was a person that I would have great discussions. Lately the discussions have really been quite bad in my mind. In essence what happens is that instead of discussing what the issue, this person disregards my opinions and in essence ignores what I have to say.
Let me give you an example. This morning we were discussing the issue in Iraq and the Democratic party stance. I said that the Democratic Party did not have a credible plan to end the war. I further discussed my point by pointing to three different ideas that are in the democratic party at the moment and that there was no clear consensus as to the best action. I further commented that I thought that the best strategy the Dems could have would be to all join together in a united front against a seemingly divided Republican Party. My thoughts were that the American People would prefer a united group than a group that's spinning its wheels and isn't sure which way they want to go.
Out of all the things that i said, my friend decided to harp on the term credible. He disregarded the rest of my statement about party unity and the importance of presenting a united front. What is really sad is this isn't the first time this has happened. I would say from about December or so he has really been acting in this way.
But what really I suppose irks me is that when i talk with him I am almost always having to defend my profession. He has read a couple of books on clinical psychology or psychology in general and has formed an opinion on why it is such a bad profession. He has told me on numerous occasions that while there are "some good ones, most have no clue". It seems that ever since December I have had to pick up the sword and shield and defend the honor of my peers and quite frankly I am sick of it.
What is unfortunate is that this is a person i go way back with. I have known the person since 9th grade and we have generally gotten along very well. It just seems that recently he has really changed and I am not sure I like it.
Victor Frankl once said "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." I am not sure if I can really change the situation, so maybe I have to change myself and the way I perceive this particular friendship.
