Using the Internet discussions to practice patience.
By stary1
@stary1 (6611)
United States
November 20, 2011 4:03pm CST
Years ago I joined a couple of political discussion boards on the Internet. I at times found myself losing patience and becoming annoyed with some who I could tell were uninformed.
After as few 'word battles' it dawned on me this is THE perfect opportunity to practice tolerance and patience with people whose opinions I totally disagree. If they become rude and obnoxious, I decided to practice not sinking to their level.
In time it worked so well I have always been grateful for developing this skill. Don't get me wrong, I can still get annoyed with some but for the most part I am much more accepting and tolerant and I learn how others think…
3 people like this
12 responses
@enelym001 (8322)
• Philippines
21 Nov 11
I am still impatient at times 
There are just some people in different forums that's really testing people's patience. Some are just there to insult and oppose on everyone. They really bite people's head off
But we all have to be patient enough to understand that people are all different. We can't please them all and so they start a small word battle Sometimes I just leave the forum and let others continue the battle.
There are just some people in different forums that's really testing people's patience. Some are just there to insult and oppose on everyone. They really bite people's head off
But we all have to be patient enough to understand that people are all different. We can't please them all and so they start a small word battle Sometimes I just leave the forum and let others continue the battle.
@enelym001 (8322)
• Philippines
21 Nov 11
Hello again, my name's enelym, Not gardengerty - she's up there
Oh well it's really hard to control ourselves especially if they start using offensive words.
Oh well it's really hard to control ourselves especially if they start using offensive words.
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
27 Nov 11
I enjoy talking politics here too although there are people that I've encountered here that refuse to hear anyone else. I let a lot of things slide that I used to let annoy me. Reminds me that I should get back to the boards soon, especially since the presidential election is less than a year away!
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
27 Nov 11
Besides, my needs and beliefs changed since I first registered to vote. I swung from the left more to the right once I became a parent, but I have some non-negotiables that prevent me from switching parties. So I guess you could say I'm split down the middle. But I generally try to vote for the candidate that annoys me the least! ;)
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
22 Nov 11
Most of my patience was from waiting for the bus, waiting in line, but not from reading opposite views on the political arena. I do find that the danger is that you may feel they may be right, but it is always good to know how they think. You have to be careful.
@celticeagle (189820)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Nov 11
Not sinking to their level is definitely the key. I am very interested in the Conspiracy Theory and was a fan of the show of the same name on Trutv. The message boards on the site were this way. Most were up on their current events but some were so misinformed it was sad. Open up your eyes people! I have to be patient also.
@maharlikah (1045)
• Philippines
4 Dec 11
I also experienced that. I do not reply anymore when I feel that there is already something fishy along the way of the discussion. It is always good to express what we need to but sometimes, silence may be a great weapon to win. As what you have said, going down to a lower level is a no..no...
@GardenGerty (169452)
• United States
21 Nov 11
What an excellent perspective on our differences. I congratulate you. I try hard not to get annoyed, or if I am, I try to not show it.
@roberten (3128)
• United States
21 Nov 11
Patience and understanding are traits that we all could benefit from; posting in any forum type site will help one develop it or totally loose it. I am hopeful that, like you, most benefit by improving these skills.
When I find myself getting too annoyed I just exit the forum until I have colded down a bit. Once words are spoken (or written in this instant), it is not possible to take them back. At times, the best thoughts go unspoken.
@bunnybon7 (50970)
• Holiday, Florida
20 Nov 11
yes thats me to. ive been on different discussion boards that ive just had to bite my tongue with some and not say more in order to not start a rage war. but if tact and quiet doesnt work and i just loose it, i just leave. or like here, i take them off my friends and dont watch anything they post.
@stary1 (6611)
• United States
21 Nov 11
bunnybon7..
I used to get into 'flame wars' and tell bullies off. I dislike bullies and felt they need to be confronted. Problem is one can't really control a bully so I decided instead of leaving the boards I would learn self control and self discipline. I have learned a lot and it is very empowering..
I used to get into 'flame wars' and tell bullies off. I dislike bullies and felt they need to be confronted. Problem is one can't really control a bully so I decided instead of leaving the boards I would learn self control and self discipline. I have learned a lot and it is very empowering..
@lampar (7584)
• United States
21 Nov 11
Cool! AT least you don't have to apply for a place inside a "shoalin" temple in China to learn and practice about patience. You can just just do it right in front of your p/c. There is no physical pain and emotional torture to test your threshold on patience , even though some time you can get really annoyed by some drools, that is all perfectly fine for you compare to the test you need to go thro' in the temple carry out by your master monk. 
@Pushhyarag2000 (1416)
• India
21 Nov 11
A wise man told me in a discussion forum that instances of bullying are a bit common in most social forums and advised me to hold on to my nerves. 
. Some members behave consciously offensive & provocative. While one segment of such people strive for one upmanship all the time, the other set just do it for weird fun. In either case, the best way is to keep cool & see it turn it back on them without positive effort! Good to hear your metamorphosis [ 
] albeit with a caveat. 
. Some members behave consciously offensive & provocative. While one segment of such people strive for one upmanship all the time, the other set just do it for weird fun. In either case, the best way is to keep cool & see it turn it back on them without positive effort! Good to hear your metamorphosis [ ] albeit with a caveat. 