determined/ stubborn
daring/ foolhardy
eccentric/ odd
i could go on... honestly, can you admire the same traits in an opponent that you do in a friend? or does the good become not-so-good when it's worn by the dark side?
2007-07-08 16:36:20 · 12 answers · asked by patzky99 6 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Hi,
I think it depends on what area you meet an opponent and who it is! Even a loved-one can 'oppose' you in certain areas and we might accuse them of being stubborn when they're taking an opposite stance! We can all benefit from being determined, taking an odd risk, enjoy being a little eccentric and we're all guilty of sometimes being stubborn/foolhardy and odd even. Whether the opponent is someone I like or someone I find hard to understand if they display positive traits I will admire them. I will admire them for sticking to their principals even if I don't agree with them. What I would not admire is anything that is motivated by violence, cruelty, brutality or malevolence.
Polly
2007-07-09 03:57:54 · answer #1 · answered by pollyanna 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Of course an opponent can have the same qualities as a friend. For that matter, a worthy opponent could actually BE a friend. Don't we all have friends with whom we may disagree on some point or other without letting it destroy the friendship? In the work place, don't we often compete for position with colleagues who are friends?
It is an interesting point, however, that words that pretty much mean the same thing convey different attitudes toward the subject. This might be an interesting question to post in "Words & Wordplay".
2007-07-08 23:53:14 · answer #2 · answered by Tom K 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. You can admire the same traits in people you consider friends and those who you don't get along with as well. It goes the other way too you can dislike some traits in a friend but like them in someone you are not so close to.
I believe you see more Grey than Black and White as you get older. Interesting thought though. What about opinions? Are there some opinions that you find totally intolerable on any level? Would your friend still be your friend if they hold those opinions?
2007-07-09 00:10:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
First of all, define opponent? An opponent is not always an enemy. You can admire an opponent's traits, and admire this person. You can admire the traits without admiring the person. Or you can despise the person and, still, acknowledge, even admire, some of this person's traits. Confusing? lol People are confusing, my friend! Complex, frequently complicated, but always fascinating! :)
2007-07-09 03:14:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Examples:
Many opposing politicians are, in fact, friends and admire each other
Defense and Prosecuting attorneys on the same case often admire each other and can be friends too
Athletes and Sportsmen/women can admire each other even if they are competing
If you have an opponent it means you are almost in the same league: which means you both have almost the same level of skill. It's better to admire an ooponent than to dislike them.
2007-07-09 00:56:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes. We all want to be versatile in our thinking and actions, even if some of those behaviors are less than goodly. Thats not to say we want to exhibit evil traits or tendencies, just the ability to speak up in times we normally would not, or stand up for ourselves at times we might otherwise cower. So, yes, its human nature I think to admire both good and sometimes not so good traits in others. Problems only arise when we use the less goodly ones to act in a criminal or unsavory manner.
2007-07-13 08:19:51 · answer #6 · answered by Debbie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A trait by any other name...
It is the trait that you admire, not the person. Why taint the trait (!) just because your opponent has it?
I had a friend who wouldn't listen to Wagner, because of his views. I couldn't care less about Wagner's views, I LOVE his music!
2007-07-09 01:45:55 · answer #7 · answered by Valac Gypsy 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Apples & oranges. Something "bright" worn by an opponent doesn't change for the better or worse when worn by a proponent.
2007-07-12 13:28:22 · answer #8 · answered by Psychic Cat 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some of my best friends are my opponents fomr time to time. It's always "good" to understand, appreciate and admire the strengths of your opposition... I played basketball.
2007-07-09 00:23:13 · answer #9 · answered by Icy Gazpacho 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I try to find the good in all people. Just because they are an opponent, doesn't mean they aren't a good person.
2007-07-09 09:28:23 · answer #10 · answered by MentalCaseMaggot 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋