How to Navigate Differing Opinions
When the weather turns crisp and you can finally break out your teacups and scarves, you know the season has arrived. No, we’re not talking about fall — we’re talking about election season, which rolls around every November. If you’re feeling a sense of déjà vu from the last cycle, you’re not alone. In that way, we’re all in the same boat. But in other ways, many of us are in very different boats, and those boats don’t always navigate the same waters smoothly.
As we gear up for election season, it’s important to prepare for something we all face, especially this time of year: navigating differing opinions in relationships. Whether it’s an outspoken coworker, a relative, your mom, or even your best friend, you’re likely to find yourself in a conversation where you think, Oh, we don’t agree on this.
However, relationships are far more important than opinions, no matter how strongly held. So, how can you decide what to do with your opinion in a way that stays true to your values while preserving healthy relationships?
Relationships are far more important than opinions, no matter how strongly held.
The Impact of Different Opinions in Relationships
Not long ago, people of all political backgrounds seemed able to coexist more peacefully. But in recent years, the political divide has grown wider and more challenging to cross. This election season, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll encounter differing opinions from friends, family, and coworkers.
You likely already know that disagreements on divisive topics like politics can quickly become heated. If left unchecked, they can escalate into larger arguments, long-term rifts, and even the loss of relationships. Such outcomes can harm your mental health, causing internal stress and weakening your support system. Unresolved conflict, especially with loved ones, can significantly affect mental health.
According to VerywellMind.com, conflict can have a greater impact on our well-being than most other forms of stress. It not only leaves us with unresolved problems but also diminishes our sense of belonging, which is a fundamental human need.
Research from Ageing and Society shows that the quality of intergenerational family relationships is closely linked to well-being. Additionally, a study in Psychology and Health found that social support strongly predicts long-term psychological and psychosocial outcomes. Healthy relationships are vital for mental health, and unresolved conflict can increase depression, anxiety, and lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use. Strained relationships can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, both of which are strongly associated with depression and anxiety.
How to Politely Say I Disagree and Keep Your Relationships Healthy
So, what’s the best way to approach conversations with people who hold differing opinions, politely disagree, and ensure your relationships stay intact? Here are some helpful guidelines:
Communicate Respectfully
The first key is to remain polite and respectful when speaking with someone who disagrees with you. Even if they’re impolite, staying respectful can prevent the conversation from escalating and show them that rudeness isn’t necessary.
Find Common Ground
No matter how strongly you disagree, there’s always something you have in common. You may even share similar views on the topic, despite differing on the solution. Look for the similarities rather than focusing on the differences.
Set Healthy Boundaries
If you simply cannot handle talking to a specific person with differing opinions, it’s OK to set boundaries for your own mental health. Some people simply can’t disagree peacefully, and it’s fine to distance yourself. Whether that means avoiding certain topics, spending less time together, or taking a break from the relationship, do what you need to protect your mental and emotional health. And if someone else sets a boundary, be sure to respect it.
Show Empathy
Empathy is essentially putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Seek to understand where the other person is coming from, why they believe what they do, and how you can connect with them. This approach is far more effective than trying to win an argument.
Keep an Open Mind
There are 8 billion people in the world, each with their own set of DNA and fingerprints. No two are exactly alike. That means countless different opinions and perspectives. Keeping an open mind can lead to surprising insights, and life would be boring if everyone thought the same way.
Practice Humility
In an NPR interview, Tania Israel, author of Beyond Your Bubble: How to Connect Across the Political Divide, suggests practicing intellectual humility. Consider that you might be wrong about certain issues. If that’s too much to ask, at least acknowledge that no one sees the world perfectly — including you. There are more important things than always being right.
Even small shifts in how you approach people with differing opinions can make a big impact on your conversations. In a world where opinions are often hurled over digital walls at faceless opponents, a little human connection goes a long way.
Even small shifts in how you approach people with differing opinions can make a big impact on your conversations.
How Do You Work With People Who Have Different Perspectives?
One of the trickiest places to navigate differing opinions is at work. Your coworkers aren’t family or friends, yet you often spend more time with them than anyone else. And you can’t simply stop talking to them if you disagree. So how do you work with people who have different perspectives while keeping things professional and productive?
The best approach is to stay professional. While you may have close relationships with some coworkers, others may challenge you more. When dealing with an overly opinionated colleague, try steering conversations back to work. You don’t have to engage in every water cooler discussion, and you can always excuse yourself by saying you need to get back to your desk. Remember, you don’t need to be friends with everyone at work — just able to work with them. And if that becomes too difficult, human resources can offer support.
Remember What’s Important
It’s easy to get caught up in the divisiveness of the season if you lose sight of what truly matters. At its core, politics exists to serve the well-being of others, and your opinions are likely rooted in a desire to help humanity. So, remember this when you’re talking to another human with whom you disagree.
If you find yourself more concerned with political rhetoric than the people around you, it might be time to unplug from the news and social media for a while. These platforms thrive on clicks and likes, and what gets the most attention? Dramatic, alarmist, and often divisive headlines. Instead of scrolling, put your phone down — or better yet, use it to call a friend and make plans to spend time together. Personal connection is a powerful boost for mental health and a good reminder that there’s more to life than news cycles and political debates.
The Meadows Outpatient Center is Here to Help
Are differing opinions weighing on your mental health? The Meadows Outpatient Center has a range of flexible mental health and addiction treatment services to help you regain balance. With the same high-quality care as our inpatient programs, our outpatient options allow you to continue your daily routine while receiving intensive behavioral health support. For added convenience, we also offer virtual outpatient services, which you can access from the comfort of home. Call us today to learn how we can help.
Reach Out Today
Convenient, comprehensive care is available. Your next chapter can start right now.