2020 has been a hard year. Rising tensions across politics, society, and mankind itself have left us squandering for some meaning to our lives. Even in relatively peaceful times, debates around the dinner table with family and friends can become uncomfortable. With political tensions at an all-time high coinciding with personal tensions, many of us want to avoid discussions or sever ties with others after heated interactions on polarizing topics. Can people communicate on such topics with each other in a mindful manner? Is there a way to talk about polarizing topics in a peaceful and friendly manner?
Mindfulness does not mean that you should have any opinion or avoid feeling uncomfortable with other people’s views. Feeling a little discomfort is pretty much part of the communication process, especially if it is about divergent and polarizing topics. Mindfulness is the most essential when it comes to having difficult conversations with your partner. Following are some tips to have a difficult conversation in a rather amicable manner with your loved ones.
Remember that you share the same space. : Being aware of the space which you and your loved ones inhabit is very important when connecting with each other on discussing difficult topics. We tend to forget it in the heat of the moment, but at the end of the day, we all want the same things; to be safe and for our loved ones to be safe and loved.
Create and maintain healthy conversational boundaries.: Bring compassion and understanding for the other person and their views while having difficult conversations. You don’t have to agree to them, but maintaining healthy conversational boundaries will help you keep your relationship intact despite disagreements.
Listen intently to understand and soften the urge to respond and prove yourself.: Listening skills are the most crucial of all while having a polarized discussion. Listen carefully to the other person and pick up on what they care about. The more you listen to others, the greater are the chances that they will do the same for you. This will create a better and more understanding communication between you two.
