The thing I hate about an argument is that it always interrupts a discussion.”
— G.K. Chesterton
We have all experienced it.
What seemed like a simple disagreement in our conversation boils over into an argument. We didn’t mean for it to happen.
But the emotion of defending our position takes over and soon we are no longer addressing ideas. We are attacking people.
Chesterton once said that he would never agree to disagree. He valued the relationship with someone so much that he would disagree to agree. He would continue to engage in discussions with someone until each had come to points of agreement with the other.
We will probably never agree with someone on everything. But we can find things where we do agree. And we can have continuing discussions addressing areas of disagreement instead of attacking the person. Our relationships are that important.
So, build relationships. Have a discussion.
