[bradleyland]

So I should have lied about it? And that makes me the one with the chip on my shoulder?

I don't normally bring up the topic of my college decision in business settings, but it was relevant to the topic of the article. Also, in the scenario presented in the anecdote, I answered the college question very casually with, "I didn't finish college." I only argued the point when I was insulted.

[spotter]

> lie about it

Nothing in those answers is a lie or not true. It's just an answer that conveniently avoids getting insulted at a table full of people higher than you in the social hierarchy.

Maybe you just don't give a shit about walking into social boobytraps but to me learning how to speak to command respect is sort of an important part of my personal development.

[bradleyland]

Funny, I hear that explanation a lot from teenagers, and even they know it's a flawed argument. Maybe we just part ideological ways on this matter, but I don't have any problems gaining people's trust and respect through outright honesty.

At the time of the scenario in my anecdote, I was in my early twenties. Since then, my approach has changed somewhat, but I'm never disingenuous with my answers to questions.

I've found that the fallout from offering weaselly answers is often far worse than the results of an upfront disagreement. And even if you do agree to disagree, I'd rather have it happen early on so neither of us waste our time.