Reply #11: I do it all the time and constantly feel unsuccessful, but I'll give you my tips. [View All]

Again, these are very difficult and I often fail trying to execute them, but I believe they help me when I can muster the wherewithal to do them:

1. I must fully accept and acknowledge that I could be wrong about my conclusions and beliefs. Everyone once thought the world was flat. Knowledge evolves. The only way to temper myself is to admit my own flaws.

2. I must assume that, in spite of previous experience, my opponents may be correct. Stranger things have been known to happen and humility goes a long way in conversation.

3. I must accept from the onset that my goal is not to change the other; rather, I'm trying to learn myself and, if possible, help others to learn as well.

If I admit I could be wrong, my temper lowers dramatically. If I allow the other side the possibility of being correct, I am able to listen to their side. If I set my goal on learning rather than convincing, I can actually come out ahead instead of always feeling bad when the conversation ends. I have, on occasion, learned from my ill-informed family and friends, and when I do, they usually do, too.

That's it. Mostly, I try not to discuss politics with them, but I often fail...quite often!

Peace.