It Takes Two

Communication and compromise. Who and why? Two sides to an argument, issue, group, polity, or society. Two different opinions, two objectives to seek, two paths to take, two values to weigh, two views to see, two ways to go. Choice, decision, action, and accomplishment, depending on the balance and will of the two, may or may not require these to arrive at one. While communication and compromise may be desirable, they aren't always possible. One side may not be willing, whether due to inability to make a difference, or an ability to have it their way without it. One side may not be able, whether due to inadequacy, or that the other is unwilling under any circumstance.

Communication and compromise take two. Too often these are unsought and unwanted. Communication will be talking at and compromise be unacceptable, all the while complaining the other side won't listen or accept what they offer. If people won't listen to you, maybe it is because you have nothing worthwhile to say. If others prefer an echo chamber, perhaps it is they prefer the honest communication of their own to the lack of that of others and what passes as echos to you is actually diverse opinion. Are the subjects you choose the ones that interest you or ones that would interest others? If others don't communicate, perhaps neither do you. Do you listen to others or is it that everyone should listen to you? Can you identify and admit the weaknesses of your position or can you only fail to understand that of others? Do you seek contrary information to probe your own beliefs, or discount them offhand? Do you engage others or only complain about those who won't, or about how unfair their attacks are instead?

Communication and compromise, fonder in the breach than the fulfillment. Do you actually have anything you want to? Or do you just want an excuse not to? That's alright, time is precious. If people don't see it as productive, they probably won't. Just don't claim you do when you don't, that you will when you won't. That is only a wish to be ignored.