Say What??!!

  Are you able to have tough conversations with your friends and family? Especially about the hot button issues like politics, religion or money? What about parenting or health? And when you disagree what happens? Do you lose respect for each other or are you able to see the other persons point of view?

  According to statistics, most people cannot remain friendly with those who disagree with them on major issues. I've lost friends over the years based on my politics and my perspective on life. I believe as long as you are polite you can discuss anything. Though most people cannot refrain from hitting below the belt. And too many equate asking a question with disagreement.

  Once at a party politics came up. It started out innocent enough til a fanatical liberal went completely off the rails. He was insulting and rude. His point became meaningless. Once you attack someone you lose your credibility. The conservative he was chatting with walked away with proof to his theory that all liberals are incapable of rational thought.

   Another time at a family gathering we listened while a couple talked about how people with debt are lazy and stupid. Most of the folks in the room, including them, carry some debt. When called out for the judgment they were shocked that anyone would be offended by their words. Genuinely surprised. They believed they could say whatever they wanted without repercussion. They are now left out of most family gatherings.

  Face to face I can talk to most people about any topic. I really try to see, if not understand, the other persons point of view. And if I can't then I at least remain respectful and change the subject. But social media is tricky. Because you are typing, things can look confrontational when they are not. A simple question can resemble an accusation. And you cannot control how the reader perceives it. Most of us would be best off not engaging in Twitter conversations.

  Whether in person or on Facebook we all need to realize when it's time to change the subject. When to excuse ourselves and move on. Agree to disagree. It's a life skill we all need to learn. The sooner the better.

  Ang