Knowing the difference between when someone is disagreeing with you and when someone is disrespecting you on social media will save you lots-o time and frustration.
Disagreeing
If someone disagrees with you, it’s an opportunity to listen, open your mind and maybe change theirs. It’s a chance to demonstrate how confident you are in your cause.
People who disagree with you are looking to have a conversation.
Disrespecting
If someone is disrespectful, you can still listen, but don’t expect to change minds. They are demonstrating to everyone what their true nature is, so there’s no need for you to respond to their hate.
People who disrespect you are only looking to be right.
I agree.
I knew you would.
Agree. It’s ok to disagree. It’s not ok to be disagreeable.
Well put!
Totally agree. Disagreement can lead to deeper engagement. Disrespect can lead many places, none particularly good and some that involve a fist fight.
Erica – Well said!
I couldn’t agree more. Disagreement focuses on an issue with the hope of education or accord. Disrespect shifts the focus from the issue to personal attacks. It shows a lack of discipline and rarely, if ever, leads to a dialog or a healthy outcome.
Thanks for posting this.
Anytime. Keep up the good work!
Totally agree. Emotional intelligence reigns supreme.
So true, John. I’ve experienced disrespect a couple of times in social media when I commented on more mainstream topics (other than marketing or nonprofit). Man, the language and rudeness was abusive. Some people really need to get a life.
Or check their anger at the door.