5 Ways to respond to differences of opinion in the family

Differences of opinion can be found anywhere, even within the family. This diversity can actually give a family color. However, there are people who are not able to react well and make it the cause of the dispute.

Then, what is the proper way to deal with differences in viewpoints between each family member?

Dealing with differences of opinion in the family

Differences of opinion are not always negative. In fact, you can get to know the character of each family member better. So that differences don't spark conflict, here are some tips for dealing with them.

1. Agree to disagree

It's natural for a person to hold on to something he thinks is true. Unreasonable attitude is to force other people to believe the same thing.

This situation can even get worse if all family members are equally stubborn.

The first step to addressing differences of opinion in the family is to agree on those differences. Agree on disagreements in the family.

Everyone must accept the fact that even those closest to them like family can have different points of view.

2. Listen to other people's opinions

Conflict can occur when one party does not give the other person the opportunity to speak. Finally, there are misunderstandings, feelings of disrespect, and negative emotions that lead to strife.

You can prevent conflict by giving the other person the opportunity to speak before sharing your point of view.

Listen without any agenda. If you are already starting to string together your answers while the other person is talking, then you are not listening very well.

3. Give other people personal space

Everyone needs space for himself. When forced to do something that is not according to your beliefs, this space makes you calm and able to think clearly.

The same is true of every member of the family. Everyone has the right to have their own views. If you continue to impose your point of view and disrespect other people's personal space, differences of opinion in your family will sooner or later spark conflict.

4. Ignore the unnecessary difference issue

When you have a disagreement with a family member, think again about whether the argument is really necessary. Avoid arguing over small issues that can actually be resolved without having to argue in a high-pitched manner.

The time and energy you spend arguing can be used for other, more useful things. For example, doing fun activities with all family members to strengthen emotional bonds with one another.

5. End the conversation

If your tone starts to go up, everyone is pushing your will, and differences of opinion in the family create a negative atmosphere, it's time to end the conversation. You can return to the original principle, which is agreeing to disagree. Agree that there is a difference.

Pay attention to your gestures and tone when you end a conversation. Don't interrupt other people's words that can offend them. Try saying, “I just realized that. Let me think first."

Differences of opinion and arguments in the family are not always bad. In fact, this is a valuable new lesson for every member of the family. Especially for children who are actively imitating the attitudes of adults.

In the end, families are the closest people who can understand each other the most. Differences of opinion need not break long-established family relationships.