There are times in our lives when it is prudent to agree to disagree with other people.  Sometimes, this kind of agreement must be made in families, simply to keep peace in the conversations we have with the people we love.  If members of our families disagree with us on specific issues, we are wise to make ground rules for especially sensitive conversational topics.  Sometimes it is best to avoid the subject entirely.  However, at other times, when it is necessary to talk about something and it’s clear that there is clearly a difference of opinion, making ground rules a wise thing to do.

Facts are not disputable.  However, if one of the parties does not believe a fact to be true, there is no point in talking about it.  Rifts can be very damaging in our relationships with family and friends.  In fact they can do grave harm.  Agreeing to disagree can prevent this from happening.

In situations with other people, not family or friends, it is also very important to pick your battles.  Regardless of the outcome, when conflict is looming and unpredictable in nature, backing off may be the best thing to do.  There is no point in aggravating an already tense situation.  This is the time for agreeing to disagree, even if it’s only in one’s mind.

In less aggravated situations, a discussion can happen between two people with widely different opinions.  This can be an edifying occasion in which individuals can learn from one another.  It can even turn into the first step in forming a relationship that is beneficial to both parties.

Whether with family, friends or other people, respect is essential when engaging in a vital conversation.  By respecting a point of view or experience that other persons have, we may discover that it is easier to agree about some things.  Perhaps it could even lead to a favorable negotiation, thereby finding something mutually satisfactory.

If a person can hold an opinion, keep an open mind, and respectfully and actively listen to an opposing perspective, there is always a chance that a peaceful compromise can occur.  But if that is rendered impossible, we can always decide to agree to disagree.