When I went to visit the Gentleman Caller the first time, a friend sent me a text saying “have fun, be safe, and don’t be too opinionated (I hope that doesn’t hurt your feelings).” Naturally, I found this hilarious as she’s known me forever and really wants to see me happily in love. The text came through while I was with GC and so I read it to him. He told me to write back that we’ve known each other for seven years and that he was perfectly aware of my opinions. We got a chuckle out of that.
Fast forward to last night.
I met my parents for dinner and my mom mentioned she really liked the restaurant’s Chinese chicken salad. I said that I couldn’t stand CCSs because the dressing is just too strong of a flavor for me. I may have actually said that I hate CCSs, but my dad just latched onto that and said I was the most opinionated person.
Now as much as I love my daddio, I have to disagree. While I was animated with my parents, I don’t think that sharing a preference (or the opposite) for a certain meal makes one overly opinionated! And I don’t think that expectations shared rationally make one overly opinionated, either!
I will agree that the delivery of one’s expectations or opinions is what makes people unattractive. I will also fully admit to the fact that growing up, I was adamant about my opinions. However, for me and I’d assume for most, age has settled me down, exposed me to new people with differing opinions, and has allowed me to try new things.
So, what do you think makes people overly opinionated???
I come from a family of opinionated people and this is what I have learned.
Opinions + alcohol = overly opinionated.
Opinions + gross insensitivity about how your listener might interpret what you say = overly opinionated.
Opinions + an illusory assurance that you know everything about the topic already = overly opinionated.
Opinions + cutting, snarky attitude of superiority (under the guise of humor) towards others = overly opinionated.
That’s my opinion on it.
well said Marty! i agree a million percent! its all in the presentation isn’t it?
Wow – I LOVE your insight on this and totally agree!!! Preach on, Napkin Dad!
I’m way over opinionated on tons of things. I always say, “Well my opinion is based on education and experience”. I appreciate people who actually have a say or opinion on things. Other people, well, they are just boring.
You’re a nut, but I do tend to agree with you on this. Opinions based upon experience or knowledge usually weigh more in my mind.
I have no idea what you’re talking about…I don’t have an opinion on anything (-:
Yes, I think it’s ALL in the delivery. You could say, “I really don’t care for this soup much”, or “I HATE this soup”. They both mean the same, but come across so differently! I’ve been told the same thing as you (about my strong opinions), so I chuckled at this post.