[at-l] tolerance

[Bror8588 at aol.com (Bror8588@aol.com)]

In a message dated 6/26/2005 2:06:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time,  
jbullar1@twcny.rr.com writes:

There is  a strong tendency to be unnecessarily confrontational in today's  
political/social climate. I think we all need to step back a bit from our  
self-righteousness and be a tad more understanding and diplomatic than is  
the norm these days. The old saying "you can attract more flies with sugar  
than vinegar" is still true. There is a difference between be assertive  and 
being aggressive. You should aim for the former and avoid the  latter.



Sometimes knowledge of the dangers that can confront on a trail causes a  
lack of wisdom in giving warning. The "urgency" of the warning overcomes the  
ability to communicate in a friendly manner.  I think that you are correct  when 
you point out that a more diplomatic approach is the better way to  
communicate concern(s).  A friendly greeting, introduction, explanation of  the dangers 
"up ahead" and advice proffered from an older hiker might get  through to 
those in their twenties.  Then again, they might just ignore the  advice and 
suffer the consequences (hopefully avoiding any lasting injury) but  they will 
remember the advice, offered in kindness by the "old guy," when that  group 
gathers for a beer later in the schedule.
 
Skylander