And any other type of controversial discussion that would normally reside on the “don’t talk about . . . “ list when spending leisure time with family.
- Listen . . . instead of talking.
- Asking questions of the other person in order to better understand their point of view.
- Actively listen when the other person is talking instead of trying to think of what you want to say next.
- Stick to facts that can be verified.
- Do not raise your voice.
- Be willing to question your own viewpoint.
- Always seek to find areas of commonality.
- Always be respectful.
- And if you are having a discussion and it is quickly going sideways or the other person clearly isn’t interested in a “discussion” and isn’t playing by the same set of rules like the ones listed above, you have two choice:
- Say, “it sounds like we will have to agree to disagree.”
- Go to Rules 1, 5, and 8.
- Finally . . . No matter what, nothing is more important that family and friends. Including politics.
The Puddles 
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