It’s nothing new to disagree with the ones you love, whether it’s about current events, religion, racism, politics, football or something else. In fact, chances are pretty good that you completely disagree on certain topics with someone you care deeply about.

Although you might be tempted to confront them and tell them they are just plain wrong, you might want to reconsider. That plan probably won’t go very well for you because it’s likely your loved one will feel attacked. Nobody wants to feel attacked, right?

Here are some tips you can use to make your conversations productive:

🗣️ Look for things you do agree on.

🗣️ Kindness and respect goes a long way when trying to discuss difficult topics. 

🗣️ Avoid imagining how you think the conversation will go or how it has gone in the past.

🗣️ Be prepared to genuinely listen to their perspective.

🗣️ If it feels like the conversation is becoming heated, remember that getting louder will escalate the situation for sure. Plus, it actually makes it harder to hear what is being said.

🗣️Avoid using “You always, you never,” and “You should.”

It’s vital to remember that this is a process! If over time the conversation seems to go nowhere, you may need to set boundaries around this topic in an effort to keep from destroying the relationship.