Listen and Learn

Recently I have noticed that the more I say, the more I am misunderstood. It has happened in several venues, and I am concerned. There was a time that I would have immediately countered with a "but. . . ." Now I hesitate wrapped in the fear that I only respond or correct in order to enjoy my own spoken or written voice. Resorting to silence, at least politically, frees me to observe and learn. The anger in the current political atmosphere stifles discussion anyway. Why should I take the trouble to comment if no one is attempting to really listen to me?