Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

For some reasons, large portions of the population believe that the person who speaks last wins the argument.

He had the last word. That settles it.

Does it really? Does the last person who says anything pronounce the conclusion?

“Water freezes at 33 degrees F.” I can shout that over and over and over and always be the last person to speak. Does that make it true? Am I right?

No, and no. But I did have the last word.

When encountering persons who believe such, I let them have the last word. Otherwise I would still be talking with them and not sitting here writing this.

When I decide to let the other have the last word, it must literally be the last word. When they proclaim once again what temperature freezes water, I have to say nothing. Not even, “Yes,” and not even a nod.

Sometimes it is difficult to let the other person have the last word and end the conversation. They demand some sort of, “I agree with you.” Silence brings the reply, “Silence means agreement.” (I think I have written about that fallacy as well.)

Life with the I-must-have-the-last-word person isn’t always easy. Working with such a person can downright agonizing.

Solutions? As always, be honest and open. Tell people, “The last word is not always the conclusion.” And then allow others to continue speaking.