My stepfather, Ed, who I was very close to, loved to debate. Although, as with most younger people, I didn't know the difference between lively debate and fighting. I was always quick to temper and I could not talk about politics (what little I knew about the world) without getting super emotional. He always taught me that in order to have a good debate you must do the following:

1. Never hit below the belt. Never resort to name-calling or false accusations. It only proves you've lost the argument.
2. Never walk away. Always finish the conversation or again, you have lost.
3. Back it up. Don't claim to know things you don't. State what you know and admit the things you don't. You never know what the other person knows or doesn't know, and you might just make yourself look like a fool. Also, you will never learn from others if you pretend to know more than they do.
4. Never go to bed angry. At least agree to disagree or else it will eat away at you forever.

I follow these rules everyday, not that I find myself in long-winded debates much these days, but I apply the rules when interacting with everyone I come across. I think the world would be a better place if we all did.

Ed was a very smart, witty, sarcastic and loving man. I miss him. It will be 8 years ago on August 18th that he passed away.

I love and miss you dearly, Ed, and think of you every day.