Questioning Proof, Respect, Smarts, Discipline, and Jealousy

 

“People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive.”

-- Blaise Pascal

 

How do you rebut someone who accuses you of questioning their integrity, loyalty, and commitment?

Prove it. In my own defense, proving this would be difficult, having done 23 years with Air Force Intelligence. But I stand by my answer. Tell them to prove it.

My professor is a liberal, and he's really triggering me with his "critical thinking." What should I do?

There's not much you can do, him being a professor and a liberal. I assume you are in a “liberal” center of higher learning? His “critical thinking” probably needs some reality checks. Maybe he is there to indoctrinate, not teach. I’m afraid to ask what subject he is “teaching.”

What should I stop being honest about with people?

Odd sexual preferences.

Are there any apps or websites that can help me communicate, open up better, and talk better to the people I trust?

These are people you trust? If you “trust” them, then there should be no problem with opening up to them. Or, maybe you don’t trust them enough? A conundrum, for sure.

Why, when you lean forward with your head tilted downwards (like you are reading something off of your phone) sitting at your table, it makes you feel tired?

Not a clue, but I usually fall asleep. Too much bourbon?

What does it mean to be an "old-fashioned person"?

Being on the razor’s edge of 70, I remember “old-fashioned” thoughts. Being polite, respecting people, exercising integrity, having a work ethic, and much more. Most important to the “old-fashioned” ideology was, for the great majority, being ready to die to protect the freedom of all of it. We have lost this. It seems we are prepared to hand over our freedom to socialists. A very sad time.

“A traditionalist’s values are gleaned from all that is good in the past.”

-- Fennel Hudson

What does the word respect really mean, and how is it manifested within a romantic relationship?

“Due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.” I think this is what you’re after. If you don’t have this in your relationship, the romance will wane, significantly.

How do I deal with certain people laughing at me and making me look stupid for not already knowing the answer if I ask them a question?

“Laughing isn’t the answer. If you don’t know, just say you don’t know… dumbass. Grow the hell up.”

What is really behind calling a person defensive if he is just trying to be logical?

Not having a clue.

What is more detrimental to a person's self-esteem, homelessness, or joblessness?

Most people who have a job, have a place to live. The homeless seem to be happy with their lot. So this seems to leave joblessness.

Have you ever been attacked by someone who mistook your identity?

Nope. I’ve been attacked by many people. All of them knew me, or who I was.

How do I accept and reconcile with my facial features and my appearance in general?

You are who you are. You can’t be someone else, so do the best with what you have. More importantly, be truly happy that you have a life. Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a choice.

When people rely on surface appearances and false racial stereotypes, rather than in-depth knowledge of others at the level of the heart, mind, and spirit, their ability to assess and understand people accurately is compromised.

-- James A. Forbes

Someone beat me in an argument, and I ended up agreeing with them. Are they smarter than me?

On that subject, for sure. Maybe not on anything else.

What does it mean to love someone who loves you?

You tripped into what most people are looking for in a relationship. Don’t question it, revel in it. It is a rarity.

What is a response to "you're in no position to judge"?

“I’m standing. What position would you like me to be in?”

Is it ever valid to give up on a goal or pursuit simply because it is difficult or not enjoyable?

If it’s difficult, you should have known. If you find it isn’t as enjoyable as you thought it would be, this is a better reason. Everything goal worth having is usually difficult. But, if you’re going to enjoy it, you will work hard to get it. 

Why do people say "I won't hurt you" when trying to get close?

Maybe they know what you’ve been through, before.

Is getting with something else after a breakup good?

A thing, or a person? A “thing” might help you feel better. I’d take a break, no pun intended, from relationships for a bit.

"It’s not my fault all women like motorcycles, Murph. They’re basically huge vibrators. With wheels."

-- Harry Dresden

How can I get good old-fashioned discipline?

I recommend a “good old-fashioned” spanking, from someone who is dominant.

Is it possible to avoid learning from mistakes?

If you make the mistake enough times, you’ll probably be seen as an idiot if you don’t learn from it. Mistakes and failures are the best way we learn in life.

What are some potential outcomes of reciting positive and inspirational quotes from a young age?

True happiness, or disappointment.

When is retaliation ever justified in personal relationships?

Retaliation is simply revenge, and revenge is never a good thing. Better to just smile and walk away from the relationship, than to retaliate. Karma has enough to do.

Why do student groups blame Israel entirely for Hamas' actions?

Ignorance.

How do bullies react when someone stands up to them?

If you’re going to stand up to them, be prepared to hurt them significantly. This is what they’re probably going to do to you. When you stand up to them, they’ll be in shock, then they’ll recover. While they’re in shock, I’d kick them really hard, where it hurts. Same place, women or men, right in the crotch. When they fall to their knees to puke, I’d kick them again, harder. When they recover, you’re dead. But, then, they’re going to hurt you anyway, right? If enough people kick them in the crotch, they’ll stop bullying. They just can’t puke that much. Not to mention that their crotch may never recover.

“If they don't like you for being yourself, be yourself even more.”

-- Taylor Swift

Why do so many people care about the way others feel or do if it makes them happy?

Jealousy.

Why do people call me and think I am immature and irresponsible?

Interesting. They call you to tell you you’re immature and irresponsible? I’ll bet they have nothing better to do than to rag on you. I’d tell them to pay attention to their own immature and irresponsible lives since they obviously know what they say. Oh, and they really need to get a life.

How do you change someone’s mind in a debate?

Provide facts that are incontrovertible.

If you could offer advice to someone who is currently struggling with a broken heart, what words of wisdom would you share, based on your own healing journey? If you've been in that situation of course.

Most people have been there. The “healing journey” is just that, a journey. You won’t heal if you sit and mope about it. The best thing you can do is pick yourself out of the pity party and move on down the road to greener pastures. Healing starts when you start the journey.

How to stay positive?

Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

Why do the most insecure people tend to be the most arrogant?

Well, I agree with the other three answers to your question. Good job, people!

Answer 1:  Because that's their toxic way of masking it, anything to avoid self-reflection on why they are insecure and feeling weak knowing they have that flaw.

Answer 2:  They pride themselves on being obnoxious and downright annoying. It's their way of getting attention to feed their overinflated egos….lol.

Answer 3:  May be the same reason that the most pessimistic people are attracted to the most narcissistic. Some things are much better resolved within and reserved for those that have these tendencies rather than them being the target of speculation "through brainwashing or brainstorming."

“Sometimes our love becomes distorted by our feelings of insecurity and our fear of abandonment. This is often the case with those who become overly controlling and overly smothering of their partner. Others become emotionally abusive because of their fear of intimacy.”

-- Beverly Engel

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

 Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com