Politics. This is the stuff that breaks up families and friends forever. In every country. In every language.

I had an online AND offline argument with a friend over Thai politics many years ago. We agreed to disagree, and we never talked politics again ever since.

Agree to disagree.

Some people would consider that phrase a cop out, a surrender, or sometime an invitation to keep laying on their point of view.  I consider it the olive branch.

A spirited discussion over politics, fashion, music, movies, etc. is normal in any circle of friendship. Democrats vs. Republicans. Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones. Kirk vs. Picard.  Did Han shoot first? Wait…that’s not a dispute. Bad example. Sorry.  But you get the point.

A discussion like that can get out of hand and into an all-out verbal slugfest with personal attacks that will not end well for anyone.  All it takes is for someone to realize earlier in the game where the discussion was heading to call a truce and throw down that olive branch.

Let’s agree to disagree…and change the subject.

If you have any common sense or even the slightest respect for the relationship you’re having with the person you’re getting into an argument with, this is a stop sign.  It doesn’t matter who brings it up first, but now that a truce is offered, you take it.  You agree to disagree.

Both of you would throw up your hands and hug it out. We now know whatever it is is a touchy subject for the both of you. Let’s put a mental force field over that and don’t ever visit there again.

Agree to disagree.

If that doesn’t stop a conversation, there’s no respect left in that relationship.

Yes, it is a conflict avoidance strategy. But do you really want to go through your life confronting everybody everyday?  I sure don’t.

I don’t have to agree with everything you believe in, and you don’t have to agree with me either. As long as we respect that we believe in something completely different, and know where the boundaries are, we can continue on with our relationship.

Then again, I don’t have that need to win every argument or be right all the time.

I’ve learned a long time ago, you can’t make people think the same way you do. You can try. But at some point, you have to let it go.

Well…

I’m kidding. Kind of. 😉

So…*ahem*… How about those Dolphins?