Is fun. Everyone does it, and although in most countries the purpose is to arrive at some kind of settlement or consensus, the British ideal is to all: 'agree to disagree'. They don't want it to end in a fight, so tolerating other peoples' views is an important character trait.

Flying in the face of public opinion is practised widely and 'not rising to the bait' will win you points. Keeping a cool head and that old, perennial chestnut - 'don't take it too seriously'.

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