[vitriolic speen-venting]

Between two nations, sometimes it's necessary to choose words carefully to stave off the conflagration of war. This technique is valid everywhere, including in everyday life between two people who otherwise hate each other. Diplomacy can be the only thing keeping two people from jumping down one another's throats.



For example, here's a good use of diplomacy:

Me: Just so you know, the bank has called Panda for you a couple of times. Should we give them your number next time they call?

(this is a question formed to bait a response from a person whom I've not been able to get a hold of for months.)

Them: Already took care of it.

(this response is neutral. It is neither kind nor offensive; nothing but the bare statement can be read into it.)

Me: Awesome. Just wanted to make sure. Have a good one!

(Having received a satisfying answer with no animosity, I'm inclined to wish the person well and be on my way, even if I'm not especially keen on them.)

In this instance, diplomacy was used on both parts, and neither side walks away feeling angry.



However, the conversation went like this:

Me: Just so you know, the bank has called Panda for you a couple of times. Should we give them your number next time they call?

Them: Already took care of it, kindly sod off.

(at which point, I'm like, "well fuck you, too." adding the word "kindly" actually makes this statement more infuriating.)

Me: well, ok. have an interesting life :3

(not really a nice thing to wish on someone, but veiled under courtesy.)

Them: better without you. ^!~

(note the sarcastic use of über cute smiley)

This conversation left me with this:

Fuck you, you freeloading, white trash piece of shit. I ain't never done nothin' to you but let you stay in my house for three months without paying a dime of rent and all you did was use me and eat all my food, you fat fuck. I hope you rot on a street corner next time you lose your job because you're too damned lazy to do your god damned work right, you punk ass bitch.



And so, even though the animosity between these two parties is the same in both cases, one leaves both parties at a neutral, while the second leaves at least one side seething with rage and hatred.

So, next time you have to interact with someone you hate, you don't have to be kind. Just be careful not to be mean. Neutral responses and reactions make for peaceful conversations, and if you don't want to waste time thinking about how much you loathe every fiber of their being, be diplomatic.

[/vitriolic spleen-venting]