A clarification on clarification
Sometimes I say something to someone about a topic, or some aspect of a topic. Maybe my statement takes the form of "I think X and really Y", or something like that. Then, the other person responds as if I'd said "I think Y and really X", or maybe they think I was talking about W.
At that point, I'm pretty doomed. Even if I don't really care that much about my opinion of X or Y, I care a lot about clear and accurate communication and understanding, and I find I will spend a lot more time and effort debating a point if I think I've been misunderstood than if I just simply feel the other person disagrees with me. I often fear this makes me come across as an argumentative jerk or dramamonger when really I just want to make sure I'm being clear.
At that point, I'm pretty doomed. Even if I don't really care that much about my opinion of X or Y, I care a lot about clear and accurate communication and understanding, and I find I will spend a lot more time and effort debating a point if I think I've been misunderstood than if I just simply feel the other person disagrees with me. I often fear this makes me come across as an argumentative jerk or dramamonger when really I just want to make sure I'm being clear.