Disagreements with the ones you love are not new, whether it’s about COVID-19, quarantine, religion, guns, racism, politics, football or something else. Chances are pretty good that you have encountered topics where you completely disagree with someone you care deeply about. The disagreement may be so intense you wonder how you can actually co-exist.
The level of intensity might feel more so at this moment in time in our culture. In fact, some have commented that they find it hard to believe that the people they love could have such different perspectives from their own. The ongoing stress from trying to figure out how to navigate these issues can take a massive toll on these relationships.
The huge question is: What do you do when you strongly disagree with the ones you love?
Although you might be tempted to confront them and tell them they are just plain wrong, that plan of attack probably won’t go very well for you because it’s likely your loved one will feel attacked.
Ask yourself: What is the goal of my conversation with this person? Do you want to share information? Seek to understand their perspective? Convince them they are wrong? Show them you have a valid point? Taking the time to think about your ultimate goal can help guide you as you prepare to engage with them in a constructive manner.