Although I agree it can be <i>perceived</i> as disingenuous, I think it's perfectly valid to clarify areas of common thought before trying to adjust someone els

Although I agree it can be <i>perceived</i> as disingenuous, I think it's perfectly valid to clarify areas of common thought before trying to adjust someone else's way of thinking. Furthermore it doesn't just make them feel better, but in my experience it makes me as the speaker feel good to openly acknowledge the respect I have for the person I'm dialoguing with, instead of just thinking of them as pure adversary.