Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-22
SUB ROSA
BY MIMI.
Friendly Argument.

There Is no such thing, says
Sophie, "as a friendly argument. I've
tried and I know. The mildest argu-
ment in the world ends in fight
free-for-a all fight. 1 think it's better
not to argue at all than to try TO nave
an open-minded discussion with the
prejudiced people one meets nova
days"
Sophie has reason to be discouraged
about arguments. Within the past TWO
months she's become embrolieo III tne
most terrific quarrels-Just over
friendly little discussions.
And those who should be her rriends
have had the audacity to say that
Sophie is quarrelsome and nasty-tem-
pered Isn't it the limit?
Everyone gives a sort of smirk when
orr heroine's name is mentioned, ana
saws: "Oh, yes, Sophie. the Flghtlng
Swede. Every time / see that giri
she has a gun on her shoulder reaov
for action" Isn't it mean?
SOPHIE feels very sorry for hersef
as well she might. seeing that hair the
people she knows treat her with po-
lite but distant respect. She doesn't
make many friends. nor does she keep
the few she has with any amount OF
success.
It's all because of this argument
business. That's Sophie's great weak
ness. She has a passion for DEBATE
and she hasn't the self-control to keep
her temper about it.
You see, her browning ambition in
life is to win every one over to her own
point of view-and you can't do that.
She doesn't argue simply for the
- WiAUS-Qn6
listening to others. When Sophie ar
CUES she wants a full house, an atten-
tive audience and absolute silence In
the room. Any Interruptions. any at
tempts at discussion are just red flags
waved in her face. She turns purple
with fury il an audacious listener per-
sists i'm argument and the scene ends
in a bitter wrangle.
That's why Sophie doesn't believe
much in the term, friendly argu-
ment."
Her experience has been unpleasant
In such matters. She has had trouble
holding friends because Of thin argu-
ment business-and the idea farthest
from her mind is that 1t has all been
her own fault
The secret of a friendly argument
lies In the ability of both parties to
keep their tempers, to be reasonable,
to listen to the other side Of the pic
ture
II you are constitutionally incapable
Of hearing the other fellows point of
view through, without interrupting
heatedly, then don't get in arguments
IL you want to have any friends.
If you argue because you want to
impose your own ideas and beliefs on
others you'll never take part in
friendly argument.
Unless you have self-control, toler-
ance and willingness to learn from
other people, an argument is danger
Gus ground for you.
1t will force you into an ugly dis
play of temper. it will show up a woe
full ignorance on your part-and it
will set you down as a hot headed in.
dividual who's better left out of dis
cussions altogether
People will refuse to argue with you
after while. They will humor you
gently.
They will not soothingIy when Won
state your case and you1l be driven to
madness by an attitude like that.
So, better stick to a safe. neutral
| course If you haven't the gift for in
telligent, calm. sane discussion
Better not get involved in debates
when your self-control isn't sufficient
| to see you through safely.
There are plenty of friendly argu-
ments-and they're delightful pas
ttmes-but one must have very def.
| mite qualifications to take part in
| them.
Copyright 1927
;, Mimi will be glad to answer any inquiries
| directed to this paper provided a slammed
addressed envelope Is inclosed Also she
VIII he glad 10 send Food for Converse
ti"n' and How to Overcome Self-Conscious-
rnss. Do Won want the new Fashion
| hlnts!' Send stamped. addressed envelope