Dish it, but can't take it.

{I wrote this a few months ago, but thought it was a worthy thought, so I'm publishing it for posterity}

Veering into the personal, I have to confess that I have been shocked in the last several weeks in my encounters with people that love to "dish it." They are people who are very comfortable in disagreeing with me, almost with every thing I say, like to contradict me, or be condescending in treating me like I don't know what I'm talking about. I, on the other hand, don't really enjoying pointing out people's faults or when they are wrong about something. Maybe it was the time I spent in Asia because I am very conscious of not wanting someone to "lose face." Because I am this way, many people seem to doubt my intelligence or experience, and pretty much underestimate my strength or personality. So, lately, with those people who seemingly ALWAYS disagreeing with me, instead of being accepting and truly listen to what they are saying, I disagree back. I question them, instead of agreeing. When I feel they belittle me, I respond with strength instead of letting it go.

And I'm in shock because these people that dish it SO MUCH, can't seem to take it. It surprises me because I assume that if you can be so forceful with me, sometimes out right hurting my feelings, then you should be able to accept the same level of force. With one person, I didn't even disagree, I just didn't agree, and I could see in their eyes that they felt I was attacking them because I wasn't responding in my usual, "Yes, you're right. I know!" I think it's good that I listen and am accepting, but I'm no longer going to apologize or always backpeddle, especially with those I call a friend. If they can't handle me not agreeing, then, that's too bad.