[JOEL]

I frequently find myself letting the group sit for a moment–letting the proverbial ice melt a little–to allow anyone who wants their voice to be heard, be heard first. it is not important to me to be first, always asserting yourself as the introduction to the conversation can often turn it in a direction that could skew response given by participants. In that same vein, if the group is uncomfortable starting the conversation, I have no quarrels with initiating dialogue, and often find it easier for the group to open up and be more truthful and honest if they see me being open regardless of what my point of view is. Specifically within the topic of “truth beauty, and the meaning of life” I encounter a multitude of situations that call upon a collective analyzation, and due to the environments that these topics appear in I am not always the most passionate or well-versed person to be speaking on it so I allow others to bring it up and begin the conversation in whatever way they choose. I am an adaptable thinker especially in serious conversations, and sometimes choose to play the role of devils advocate even if that might differ from my personal opinion, just as an effort to keep the people I’m engaging with stimulated, and on their toes. Individuals reactions to how I play a part in the conversation are usually spread out, some admitting to finding my points biased, or redundant, while others say that they found my perspective refreshing or a welcome assessment of the situation in their eyes.