So a few baptists came to the door today . . .

[Prism]

11. They were polite, so I was polite

Perhaps it's how I was raised, but when presented with pleasant people, I'll respond pleasantly in kind. It isn't to say I was acquiescent. I didn't give on my beliefs or my disagreement with their beliefs. I just wasn't going to project anger or hatred towards them.

I know what Baptists think of me. And as soon as they started in on their rote presentation, I did sigh and inwardly roll my eyes But, at the end of the day, instead of muttering an excuse or responding angrily and closing the door, I decided to engage them on their level, discussing the Bible, Catholicism, and just being friendly.

And I think, in their way, they appreciated that. I think they knew I wasn't for converting. They could tell. But I was willing to just plain discuss things with them, and they seemed to latch on to that. I didn't have to give any ground. I didn't have to renounce what I believe. I just had to say, "I hear what you're saying, but I believe X," and they were willing to listen in return.

Not all people will be like this. Some solicitors don't hear at all. But, I was honest and straightforward and open-eared. They said their piece. I heard it. I said mine. And we parted ways without acrimony.

And isn't that how humans should treat each other?