jagash

I take responsibility for my personal failings. I know that nobody is perfect, but I have to recognize my personal failings before I can overcome them. I realize that I argue _far_ too much. There are a host of faulty reasons and each of these makes different people uncomfortable in different ways.

I argue to prove to myself that I am capable of discussing complex issues.
I try to "debate" others to show that I respect them on an intellectual level.
I constantly play devil's advocate to challenge my own natural assumptions and prejudices.
I have particularly weak communication skills when it comes to deeply listening. My mind is so fixated on "the debate" that I tend to try to predict the vector of my "opponents" points rather than really listening and accepting what they are telling me.

If I have argued with you in the past, especially if I made you uncomfortable in the process, I apologize. I am attempting to better myself and listen rather than arguing. It might take a bit of time before I can overcome this pernicious bad habit, but I promise to do my best.

Regards,
Jason