Hot-button issues of disagreement, issues that have public implications, are hard to argue over healthfully. And, when we feel emotionally invested – and when you or your family may feel physically threatened – it’s even harder to argue in a way that allows for growth and learning.
In order to help prevent a full-blown yelling match, it might be helpful to agree to what kind of argument you are both entering into – a debate, a negotiation, or a healthy argument. Set a goal of learning something from or about the other person, rather than convincing each other or necessarily coming to an agreement.
