Hot Debates with Friends: Tips & Strategies

[I_am_learning]

Do you frequently have hot debates with friends? Or cold debate maybe. (whats the difference?)
I used to have such debates with my close friends which mostly went like this...
A: No, you are wrong. Actualy its like this.....
B: Ha Ha, you are a such a dumb. You forgot to realize this, ...
A: No, ...
B: No, ...
bla bla bla

Later I realized that we were mostly repeating the same thing many times. Its beacuse the other person wasn't listening to us carefully. The moment you begin your reply by words that reject your friends opinions such as "No', 'You are wrong' etc, you loose his attention. Instead of listening to you he begins thinking about what wrong might have he said and what reply is to be told next.
So, Now a days I always start my reply with -- "What you told is also very correct, but let's see this way..." and then slowly and subtly prove him wrong. This method has mostly worked and I end my debates soon these days.

Do you people also have similar problems?

 

[JaredJames]

I try to be tactful in those situations.

I either let it go (is it really worth an argument with a friend over?) or, if I don't like you that much or don't consider you a friend I'll start slowly and work my way to full "you're talking BS".

I've learned that launching in with "you're wrong" isn't the most effective way to approach things.

Take what they say and nudge it slightly towards what's right, slowly feed it in, spend that bit of extra time doing this and they'll accept what you say better and also have that "I thought of that" feeling. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Eventually, they won't even realize you're outright saying they're wrong.

 

[Calrid]

Yes usually in the pub.

The pub is the new Roman forum.

As closing time approaches though the likelihood of making sense tends to diminish.

Kind of depends if you enjoy arguing or if you enjoy just sitting back and watching people argue or neither. If you do enjoy the cut and thrust of debate its probably best to make sure your friends do or it might devolve into someone storming out.

"My house is not my home, god damn it! You pretentious fool!"

Storms off to get coat whilst analysing in his mind if he will catch the last bus/train whilst simultaneously eyeing the barmaids breasts... Proving that men can multi task and breasts are indeed as fascinating after alcohol consumption as they were before.

Seriously though I do like arguing with friends. What makes them friends is if they don't take it too personally and it doesn't end up at a more contentious stage. It's a part of social life. Chose your battles wisely.

 

[Dembadon]

Me: "Let's agree to disagree."

Friend: "So, you're out of arguments?"

Me: "Sure."

 

[LudusRex]

I have observed that debates, whether hot or cold, can be a great way to exchange ideas and learn from each other. However, the way we approach these debates can greatly impact the outcome and the effectiveness of the discussion. The main difference between a hot debate and a cold debate is the level of emotion involved. In a hot debate, there is usually a high level of emotion and passion involved, while a cold debate is more rational and logical.

It is important to keep in mind that debates with friends should not be about winning or proving someone wrong, but rather about exchanging ideas and learning from each other. As you mentioned, starting a reply with words that reject your friend's opinion can often lead to a back-and-forth exchange without any progress being made. This is because the other person may feel defensive and not truly listen to what you have to say.

One strategy that I have found effective in debates with friends is active listening. This means truly listening to what the other person is saying without interrupting or thinking about your response. By doing this, you can better understand their perspective and find common ground to build upon.

Another important tip is to approach the debate with an open mind and be willing to consider different viewpoints. It is okay to have different opinions and it is important to respect each other's perspectives. This can lead to a more productive and respectful debate.

In summary, hot or cold, debates with friends can be a great way to exchange ideas and learn from each other. By actively listening, approaching the debate with an open mind, and avoiding language that shuts down the conversation, we can have more meaningful and productive debates with our friends.