As a mother, I used to choose very carefully what was more important with my son. I let many things slide, because you can't fight certain things about a person's nature. My son was not a morning person and he never will be . Getting him out the door was fine. No hasseling him about eating or his bed. He also was very disorganized and messy. What can I say, I am too. Other things were not negotiable. Politeness was a must, studying was a must (and never an issue) extracurricular activities were his choice.
Not that I'm unwilling to debate or discuss any issue, but after reading a Taoist comment that "those who argue are confused", I decided to quit trying to convince the "confused" to try logic. So I heeded Karl Popper: "No rational argument will have a rational effect on a man who does not want to adopt a rational attitude."
I used to jump into every battle. Now I pick and choose- lest I waste my time unnecessarily. Last year was the first time I decided not to have the last word. It's not always worth it in the end. I will only pursue an argument if I believe information I possess will actually help someone. Semantics aren't always worth it are they? I think that part of growing up is realizing that life is easier when one does not always rack up points for winning battles.
But yes, I pick it carefully.