Learning to Disagree in Healthy and Productive Ways

Honest disagreement is a sign of relationship progress.

Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship. And that’s a good thing. Believe it or not, differing opinions can evolve into deeper relationship intimacy. Plus, the desire to argue is a strong indication that a relationship is worth saving. Think about it: Do you argue with people you don’t care about, over topics you don’t care about? Probably not. The trick, of course, is learning to resolve conflicts healthfully, in ways that strengthen rather than diminish a relationship. If you are listening to and hearing the other person’s side of an argument, that’s a very good sign. When that happens, you are not fighting each other, you’re fighting the problem—as members of the same team.

Task for Today
If you disagree with someone, ask them to explain their opinion and really listen to what they say.