First, I’d like to thank our readers who’ve posted comments and sent emails wishing us well regarding my current medical issues. It’s amazing that we don’t have “haters” sending our disheartening messages to make matters worse.
Many of us who post online are subject to hateful comments, which it’s hard to ignore. In this day and age, children, particularly, are bombarded with bullying cements from haters, literally ruining the lives of these young souls and, in some cases, contributing to suicide.
As adults, we’re better able to handle the vitriol, but we aren’t exempt from the emotional stress and damage caused by such hatefulness. Who are these people who feel they have a right to wreak havoc in the lives of those who choose to provide information online, whether or not the general public agrees with their viewpoint?
There is always a way to disagree and diplomatically share opposing opinions politely. Occasionally, we encounter an individual who is angry and unable/unwilling to control themselves when out and about. I often wonder what made them angry in their lives, whether they were in traffic or at the checkout line at the market.
In conducting research, I encountered the following suggestions on how all of us can maintain a sense of calm and respect when dealing with difficult situations.
Occasionally, I overreact when trying to make a point with Tom. Reading the following is definitely a reminder that I can do much better in making my position known.
Having a diplomatic conversation/encounter involves several vital principles and techniques. Here are some tips to help you conduct a diplomatic conversation:
1. Be Respectful and Polite:
- Use courteous language and respect the other person’s opinions and feelings.
- Avoid interrupting and listen actively.
2. Stay Calm and Composed:
- Maintain a calm demeanor even if the conversation becomes tense or emotional.
- Take deep breaths and pause if needed to collect your thoughts.
3. Use Neutral Language:
- Avoid using accusatory or confrontational language.
- Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements (e.g., “I feel concerned about…” instead of “You always…”).
4. Be Clear and Concise:
- Express your points clearly and directly without being vague or overly wordy.
- Stick to the main topic and avoid bringing up unrelated issues.
5. Show Empathy and Understanding:
- Acknowledge the other person’s perspective and show that you understand their concerns.
- Validate their feelings even if you disagree with their viewpoint.
6. Seek Common Ground:
- Look for areas of agreement and build on them to create a collaborative atmosphere.
- Focus on shared goals and interests.
7. Avoid Emotional Triggers:
- Be mindful of words or topics that might trigger a strong emotional response.
- If the conversation becomes heated, suggest taking a break and revisiting the topic later.
8. Practice Active Listening:
- Show that you are listening by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and providing feedback.
- Summarize or paraphrase what the other person has said to ensure understanding.
9. Be Open to Compromise:
- Be willing to adjust your stance and find a middle ground.
- Understand that a diplomatic conversation often involves give-and-take.
10. End on a Positive Note:
- Conclude the conversation with a summary of the main points and agreed-upon actions.
- Express appreciation for the discussion and the other person’s willingness to engage.
Example Phrases:
- “I understand your point of view…”
- “Let’s find a solution that works for both of us…”
- “I appreciate your perspective on this…”
Practical Steps:
- Preparation: Before the conversation, outline your main points and anticipate possible counterarguments.
- Context: Choose an appropriate time and place for the conversation to ensure privacy and minimize interruptions.
- Follow-up: After the conversation, follow up with any agreed-upon actions and maintain open lines of communication.
By practicing these techniques, you can improve your ability to have diplomatic conversations and build better relationships in both personal and professional contexts.
The above points can easily be utilized in dealing with loved ones during challenging conversations. We’re never too old to learn new ways of communication.
In any case, thank you for all the positive comments. I try to answer each one, but there are too many, which makes us all the more grateful for our kind and thoughtful readers. We are indeed blessed.
Be well
Photo from ten years ago today, August 7, 2014:
