(Third question in our series about surviving 2020)

The husband’s has been extremely busy this year in his role of advocating for the first amendment. He believes that each side needs to remember why this constitutional amendment is the first one that was hitched to our country’s founding principles. He now has a lot more gray shooting through his covid long hair. Considering the debate last night, Robert Oliva provides timely guidance to fostering some semblance of sanity amidst the current national discourse.

Is there ways I can manage to converse with friends or family who voice contrary opinions?

Communicating with family and friends opposed to your beliefs and values is not easy. But it’s worth the effort. 

What not to do while trying to communicate:

• Judging the person negatively.
• Giving unsolicited advice.
• Interrupting. 
• Not giving your full attention to the other person. 
• Discounting the concerns of the person. 
• Wanting to “win” the conversation. 
• Blurting out anything that comes to mind.
• Trying to hurt the person emotionally. 

What to do:

• Listen to what Is being said.
• Ask clarifying questions.
• Show empathy and concern.
• Clearly state your own position without denigrating the other person. 
• Be aware of your own emotional needs during the conversation. 

You always have the option to not engage in conversation if you are not emotionally committed to real communication. 

Be sure to check out the two other questions in this series:

Meditation is one of the best ways to achieve some balance while going through difficult times. But it can be hard to know how to begin. Do you have any advice for how to start a practice?

I have a pretty good diet but now I seem to be loading up on more carbs and sugars. Why?

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.