And it seems everyone has one. Do you think people really want opinions most the time they ask for them? If not what?

An ear to listen perhaps.

i like to hear what other people have to say. I don't always agree with whatever they say.... but still it is good to know what they think. I have learned a lot from people's opinions...

some may "ask" others opinions, but in reality, they only "want" to hear those that
agree with their own views....anything else, is quickly dismissed as ignorance...

So far I think you are both right. Sometimes it is harder to ask someone to just listen but generally the result is much better if that is what you really want.

If someone is asking for endorsement I may or may not see that as a best interest answer and that is often dicey since I think some people really do want you to lie to them.

guys yes

females , all depends on the Que , most times they want you to lie ... witch is where i get myself in trouble
do i look my age ? does this out fit make my butt look big ? etc etc etc very loaded Que's

No.. they want someone to verify the decision they already made.

Oh Sweet Lady you are on a roll today...lol

I know for some that when they ask for an opinion they really want to hear what others think to add to what they are mulling over to help their info to sway one way or another.

Then there are some that want validation...

Then there are some that just want to Rant...

Then there are some that have no opinion and they just want to add fireworks into the mix to see where the chit lands and talk about the pretty splatter marks...

tried to email you and can't..
Thank you... You are kind

Most want sympathy,kudos,slap on back,high fives and audience to gripe to

Many will say thank you for advice and go right on doing same thing

For 'Newbies' it's way to open a dialog and get to know the members here; post a topic and ask a question - try different genre's and dabble into new area's - even try some that aren't familiar to me!
Lot's more female gendered members here then most communities forums out there in the internet world, lately!

Interesting how the tried and true nature of humanity tend to 'tribal' up on newcomers by either 'PACK ATTACK' or just allowing the really strong verbal abusive ones to lead the way; and is that productive to the group - probably not! After a fashion the conversations get so humdrum and mundane as to be over before they're started - predictable answers by the 'good-ole-boy' system!

All forums need new blood to grow and keep the place viable! Sure, some ask for sympathy - ask for advice - ask for support - ask what we think - toss something out there for consideration - suggest a new way of looking at an old idea!

Well it make you STOP BREATHING - Make Your Taxes Increase - Cause Your Heart To Stop??? Nada, but for some they take it all so personally...well, it's really amusing!

Sitka listed the top ones. I'd add to that list:

* lots of people only make a show of asking for your opinion, as a way to buy time on your ears, so they can spout their own nonsense. These are the same kinds of people who offer you a bite of their lunch, not because they give a crap whether you might want to try it or not, but rather because they want to DEMAND a share of your lunch afterward. These people will often stare at you fiercely as you carefully answer their seeming request for your input, but if you look carefully, you will realize that they are staring at your LIPS, in order to watch for you to close them long enough for them to launch their prepared diatribe.

* Lets not forget one of the larger, often overlooked groups: the ones who ask your opinion with the exact same degree of interest they have when they ask you "how are you doing?" I.E., the people who SAY "what do you think?" as standard conversational gimmickry, and not because they even hear the words they just said themselves.

Not as an absolute.
Like if you only gave them an opinion and walked away they would be content with that.
There's always more to all communication that isn't an attempt to determine immediate choices (e.g. how many apples are in that bushel, how many enemies are there, did you kill the buffalo or just wound it?)


Anything coming out of someones mouth (or fingers via typing) that isn't asking for specific actionable factual information is an attempt at getting something other than what is being asked for.

If you want an easy answer outside of actionable information people open their mouths (or type like on forums) for 1 of 2 simple reasons.
1. To manipulate the behavior or perception of others for their individual wants/needs.
2. To establish a pecking order and/or group identity in a social hierarchy.

Verbal (typed) communication is just a tool (opinions, humor, screams, text speak, whatever).
All tools can be used for multiple functions and always are.
Human beings are limited in what they want though.
They just try to go about fulfilling it in infinite ways though in order to appear special and valued.

I think when people ask another's opinion, they really don't give a hoot about their view, they want that someone to AGREE with them.

What do y'all think? (AGREE WITH ME! AGREE WITH ME! )

^^^this.. It is more or less what I said. People usually know what they are going to do.

.

No...I think they just really want confirmation of their own opinion.

I practice don't ask, don't tell. Don't ask me and I won't tell you