lynnsmith: I am defending the right to state one's opinion even if it is not popular.
Well - you're ugly.
Wait - before the red ink comes out - that's my opinion, is it not? And it should be unquestioned right to state my opinion, even if it is unpopular (even if, in some cases, it might only be unpopular with one person, that being the person it is directed at).
So we can see, from this very simple example that, no, not all opinions should be stated. It is usually common sense which opinions are ones that need to be worded with care and which should simply be kept to yourself. If in doubt, consider: is this opinion hurtful? And if it is, or if it might be - is it also HELPFUL, or will it just get their back up to no good end?
If you need lessons in this, look out for posts by calliecritturs. By gum but she has a knack, doesn't she? She can tackle an issue that is difficult and say something to the poster which could be very hard to hear indeed - but because she takes time, and care and a great deal of thought in her approach, the person is not only not-offended they often THANK her for the insight.
Think - will the person THANK me for my opinion/advice? If not - how can I word it so they will? And if I can't, then does this opinion really need to be voiced?
Sometimes we all need leesons in "nice".
"Give a man a fire and he is warm for a day, but set fire to him and he is warm for the rest of his life." - Pratchett, "Jingo"