What do you do when the conversation turns to politics and you don’t want to turn on each other?
I was honored to answer this question with our NBC affiliate – WKYC Channel 3.
Although it may not feel fun to have a conversation with someone about opposite views, especially on politics, I believe it is a worthwhile exercise. If we stay away from these conversations, we may miss an opportunity to build a bridge between ourselves and others. Here are some ideas on how to have a constructive and possibly connective conversation with family or friends about opposing political views:
- Come to the interaction with a genuine sense of curiosity. This is an information collecting conversation you’re having because you really what to know the other person’s point of view, but be prepared that the information you gather may not line up with your information. But that’s okay!
- Let the person to whom you’re speaking know that you care about and love him or her and that you want to hear his or her perspective.
- Your job is to keep your ego out of the conversation. Although you may feel an urge to verbally push back and debate the other person, refrain from doing so.
- There is a difference between saying, “Hmm, it sounds like what’s important to you is _______” and “How can you think this way or want _______?”
- Hang in there. Once you’ve come from a place of understanding the other person’s point of view, he or she will be more likely to hear your point of view. By the way, it doesn’t mean you have to necessarily agree with the person’s perspective.
- Although you and the other person probably won’t solve a particular issue, what you will do is create a peaceful interaction.
You can watch the entire interview below:
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