And I know the feeling (of being talked down to--happens when I talk to steve sometimes), but really, me talking down to you would be not bothering to seriously have this conversation at all, just saying, "no, no, you don't understand yet. you'll get there eventually." as if you weren't capable of it, or even worse, "Yeah, sure, that's good. You're doing good things in the world," and not even bothering to say if I disagree, which is I suppose how a lot of the world gets by, on little white lies.

I'm trying to be honest and open, but I do apologize for offending you, and for not making it as clear as it could be that I do both respect your opinion and invite you to share it, as well as value you and your friendship generally (and for anything I've said that has not made that clear, incl. the phrasing of some sentences, for being sometimes too quick to be insulted, etc.). I just refuse to back down unless I'm genuinely convinced, and I don't see anything condescending about that.