The Internet–and specifically social media–has made many things convenient. It is now easier than ever to stay in touch with people we would otherwise lose contact with, for instance. And sharing pictures or memories is as simple as clicking a button. But what isn’t so convenient?–disagreeing with friends. The Internet–and specifically social media–has made it difficult to disagree with people in an agreeable way.
This quick video lays out a simple roadmap for how to talk to people you disagree with. Among its many good points? Disagreement isn’t a personal attack. In an unprecedented era of strong opinions about everything from politics to gun control to #metoo, it is easy to feel personally insulted (or even assaulted) when someone doesn’t share an opinion. But we must remember that people come from different backgrounds with different experiences.
And let’s face it, we’re all growing in our understanding of life in different areas and at different speeds.
As this video points out, it is difficult to have actual conversations with people who you disagree with, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Disagreeing in a respectful way is a good and healthy practice. Disagreement sharpens our understanding of what we say we believe. It also enables us to empathize and understand other people in better ways. From one perspective, healthy disagreement is actually the backbone of strong, lasting relationships.
But how to do it? Watch this enjoyable video to learn a few things about disagreement.
