Ways to Respectfully Disagree
It's easier to agree than disagree. Unfortunately, many of us either shy away completely from disagreements or lose it when things don't go our way. These tips can help keep disagreements constructive.
Use “I' to communicate how you feel, what you think and what you want or need. For example, telling your parents “You always remind me about my housework when you know I have much homework” has a very different tone from “I'm feeling pressured because I have a lot of homework tonight. Can I do those chores tomorrow?”
Listen to the other's opinion.That makes it more likely that he or she will do the same for you. When the other person is talking, try to stop yourself from thinking about why you disagree or what you'll say next.
This is the important thing you can do to keep a conversation on track. Of course, it's a huge challenge to stay calm when you feel angry about something, especially if their person you're talking to gets heated.
If you've ever been on the receiving end of someone's put-downs (贬损的话), you know how valuable using respectful language and behavior can be. So instead of saying what you might be thinking (That's a stupid idea!), try saying “I don't agree, and here is why.”
Respect goes beyond difficult conversations, of course. Being helpful and considerate towards family members, teachers or coaches in our everyday actions helps us establish a foundation for those times when we might disagree.
A. Stay calm.
B. Look into the other's eyes.
C. Using 'you' statements can sound aggressive.
D. Avoid putting down the other person's ideas and beliefs.
E. Then you can calmly present your case and why you disagree.
F. Being a good listener shows that you respect the other person.
G. But we can learn a lot from conversations where we don't agree.