On 2010-04-13 07:34:56 -0700, Damaeus said:

> I thought it was about getting to know each other. I've always been
> tickled by people who love to suck up and gather all the information they
> can get on others so they can use it to their debating advantage, but they
> never share anything about themselves. Personally, I think if someone
> doesn't care about the personal information of others, they won't use
> those private points to try to make themselves look superior, and make
> themselves the default winner in all the debates or arguments they engage
> in.

As a young man I was eager to give up sensitive material to new
girlfriends and potential blood-brothers. I figured it was good in the
long run if, the first time they were angered, they yelled, "Oh yeah?
Well your dad was a drunk!" It made sense to "give them bullets" early
to use on me, particularly ones of lower emotional power. They could
then confuse them for having substantive power. They could use them up
quick, and I could move on to building other relationships with better
candidates.

Having met a few suspected bottom-feeders, I would actually invented
long winding tales of personal horror. They'd use them two days later
when I wouldn't loan them a buck for candy bar. Amazing! And I was
well-buffered.

I think a lot of people who are quick to divulge significant emotional
tales are eager to feel intimate with others; it's assumed they have no
real intimacy elsewhere in their lives. That's sad. And sometimes
hearing them proffer up these things reminds me of a child who brings
you his favorite truck. It can be difficult even to witness.
--
Thank you and have a nice day.