You’re not going to agree with everyone on everything. You don’t want to be a push-over, it’s boring. So when you do disagree with someone, do it correctly.
How do you disagree correctly? You don’t attack someone for their views and you don’t come off as condescending.
For example, if someone says “Oh man, I love this book!” but you’ve read it and didn’t like it, you don’t say “That book is garbage.”
If someone voices an opinion that you disagree with, saying “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” Is probably not the best way to start a discussion.
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking “Bryce, you’re being a snob. Who cares how I talk?” That’s fine, but I probably won’t want to continue this conversation with you if that’s how you start it.
You don’t have to agree with me. I know a lot of people won’t. Not just with this, but with everything. My hobbies, my opinions, my goals, whatever. All I’m saying is, I’m much more willing to have a conversation with someone who disagrees with me, if they respond in a kind manner. I believe others feel the same.
I believe calmly voicing disagreement leads to more productive conversations. Instead of “That’s stupid. I strongly disagree.” what if you said “That’s an interesting opinion. Here’s my thoughts on it.”
Who would you rather talk to, the person calling you stupid and saying your hobbies suck or the person who simply says they hear you but think differently? I’d choose the latter, but that’s coming from a person who doesn’t enjoy debates.
Disagreements are fine. They’re inevitable. To me, there are productive ways to voice opposition and unproductive ways. It’s the difference between me wanting to talk with a person about something or walking away. So if I walk away, maybe now you’ll know why.
December 17, 2021
