I rarely express my opinions (verbally) because my experience proves that no one is interested in any ideas beyond the skin on their foreheads when it comes to conversation, especially in groups.

I'd MUCH rather write than speak. In the realm of reading and writing, the ego is less involved than in face-to-face interaction. I listen to other people's opinions. I certainly read them and often feel muddled when I encounter contradicting information, especially where I have no expertise.

My critical thinking skills are weak through lack of training and my temperament tends toward trust rather than skepticism in areas where I know little or nothing.

Once people have formed opinions based on whatever cognitive biases they favour, little short of an intellectual nuclear blast will shake it. How often are opinions based even 30% on reason and logic? Few if any in my generation learned how to think. The education system I grew up in (1960s to 1970s) didn't teach that. Maybe it's too late for me to get those abilities.