Here is the outline for a standard dinner with the Marylander's.
Katie: I (being the opinionated 19 year old college student I am) believe X.
“X” can be anything from my opinion on government officials to my favorite pizza topping.
Mom: Why is that your opinion? Please include statistics and be prepared for follow up questions.
Katie: I believe X because of A,B, and C.
Dad: I see where you're coming from, but here is why you are wrong, “[insert insight]”
Katie: Questions/comments/concerns regarding said “insight”
Mom: Have you considered Y?
Katie: Y may be true but X is what I believe. Let me clarify, it is not simply X that I believe, but it is Q,R, and S about X that I do.
Mom: Q and R are good points. But really? S? You can do better.
Dad: Have you considered blogging about it?
Joey: CAN WE GET BACK TO ME!?
Thank you family, for making me the writer I am and giving me the opportunity to have opinions, voice them, and truly understand what they mean. I am wise beyond my years due to night after night of these conversations.
