I do it anyway, because I'm clean-shaven, and need to look at myself, every morning.
I've never thought it needed a name, although the Bowie reference is nice.
Sometimes it's just not possible. Some people have impenetrable barriers they will defend with no regard for how they do so and the way it affects others.
That being said I like to think of it like I'm reaching out to someone, and often they don't reach back, in a majority of cases they don't want that contact. Those times when someone does, though, brings me great hope.
It is annoying, though, when folks cast a willingness to recognize all sides of an argument as being "biased," because it does not agree with their side.
I also don't like being called a liar, which is what they did, I assume, because they were unable to comprehend being able to recognize all sides of an issue (I was raised amongst diplomats, so I got that kind of thinking since I was a wee sprog).
I really appreciate this point. I do this not necessarily to win the argument or change how the other person is thinking/feeling, I do it mostly because I feel better when I do it. Believing someone is out to get me can cause me a lot of fear. Believing they don't care about me can cause me a lot of loneliness. Believing they're trying their best and are swamped with suffering? I actually feel relieved and maybe even grateful that they may have tried so hard to help me.
Will I ever know their deepest intentions? Probably not, but I sure feel a lot better when I believe they have good intentions for me.
Glad to see you comment on here, you're one of the few names I recognize on HN and appreciate what you said and what you often say, thank you.
Thanks so much!
I'm a "reformed troll," so I make an effort to be positive. I feel that I owe some amends.
Haha, we all have our reasons, I'm just glad you're doing what you're doing.