I don't mind talking about any topic, but there does come a point where it is just dead horse beating.

I've been guilty of it.

I don't know whether to throw in my two cents, AGAIN, or do us all favor and just shut my mouth.

Yet, most of us are not "spring chickens", so all the "is love real", "how do you find a soul mate", etc., threads are getting tiresome. We're old enough to know the answers to these questions AND that they are posed as thinly veiled "pick up" lines.

As far as "bashing" - derisive speech merely shuts of the listening mechanism. And, it makes them more interested in defending their "cause" than pondering another's ideas on a subject.

Everyone's opinions are valid. May be disagreeable to some, agreeable to others. Discussion/debate is NOT about changing minds, it is about provoking thought. A thinker's mind will change, or evolve, by it's own volition, not because it was "shamed".

You have some great points here. But some of it is in theory. Not all people want to discuss or debate or learn. Some people avoid conflict entirely. Which is why there are forum & not forum personalities.
Some people can't let things go & would rather be right than happy.
Some people always want the last word. Maybe they get a free cookie for it.
Some topics really are taboo. And we all have have them. We can't be open book & honest & forthcoming in all things. Sone things are no ones business.
Some things are inappropriate or the person feels it is. * Like my list , it depends on the person, I'm talking to & the subject matter, & if & when I'm comfortable *