Do you argue with people who have different opinions?

Question

When it comes to religion, politics, etc. do you fight people with different opinions? Or do you just let them speak, then express your side afterwards?

One of my best friends stopped talking to me recently because she had a different opinion in religion and politics. She implied in our last talk that she couldn't tolerate it anynmore. Opinions?

I never fought with her over her religion. One of the reasons we stopped talking was because of a petition signing. I didn't want to sign it because I didn't believe in the cause. She signed it, and got upset that I didn't.

Answer 1

It depends. If they're just talking to make conversation, I'll listen politely and then possibly say my views after they're done. However, if it's someone who enjoys a debate on such topics, I'll definitely argue with them about it. For me (and many other people), debating about such topics is enjoyable and potentially educational, but it's no fun if somebody is going to be offended/angry for the rest of their life.

Answer 2

I think your friend is a self-opinionated, narrow-minded person who likes to have things going her way and always want to be on top all the time. She gives no room for the opinions of others because she thinks no one can be more better than her. She's got to learn and accept the fact that not all people have the same views as her. We are all different and have our own minds and ideas. Even siblings don't have the same thoughts or opinions. Tell her that and explain to her why there are wars going on around us. It is because of people like her who can't accept the fact that others have a different viewpoint and have as much right to their opinions as them. If only the people in the world could accept that, I believe there wouldn't have been wars and battles.

I argue with my friends, even people I don't know very well. But, if I don't agree with what they say or think and vice versa, we leave it at that. We don't let our debates or discussions affect our being friends.

Answer 3

Arguing with people who have totally different opinions is fruitless. No one wins. When people try to engage you in this way you can listen, then smile and move away from them. They will get the point. It is frankly rude to discuss religion or politics in any social situation but there are many rude people out there who insist on pushing their attitudes on others no matter where. My best friend and her husband are of different political beliefs than my husband and myself. We do not under any circumstances discuss politics because we know we will not agree on any level. It's doable....just takes some work.

Answer 4

No. I learned you keep more friends if you don't discuss religion or politics. We are all entitled to our own opinion. If your friend stopped speaking to you because you wouldn't sign a petition then it wasn't the best of friendships in the first place.

Answer 5

I try not to fight with people about religion or politics. People usually get mad at me when I tell them my opinions on the subjects...well, some people. Politics, in particular. So I try not to talk about them with anyone around. I hate fighting with people over something that neither person is going to be swayed. And neither of the people fighting about it will give in...so why fight? I just don't talk about it to people.

Answer 6

I find it immature when people fight with eachother about their differing opinions and views. To be able to listen and acknowledge another person and their perspective is a skill everyone needs to have.

It's inevitable that people will disagree! One of my best guy friends and I disagree on a few issues, but we are always able to have an adult, rational conversation about things and we learn from each other!

It's unfortunate that your friend is going to let your beliefs interfere with your friendship. Stay true to what you believe. It sounds like she isn't a good friend if she can't accept you for who you are.

Answer 7

I am very choosey who I talk to about religion and politics. I do not get into it with people whom I know to be dogmatic or narrow-minded. And I NEVER try to engage in a discussion with the goal of trying to change someone else's mind about a topic. If I do discuss it with someone, it's because I am interested in their opinion and I truly want to understand why they feel the way they do about a topic. I try not to make judgements about why they feel the way they do -- simply understanding why they feel the way they do is usually enough.

I refuse to fight with anyone over their opinions. I may disagree with them, but usually, their opinion really doesn't affect me and my life one way or another.

Answer 8

I found out that arguing can cause my blood pressure to go up and that's bad. I prefer to avoid arguing with them and change the subject. Nothing is that important to get flustered about and putting your health at risk. Your friend lacks tolerance. She still has alot to learn.

Answer 9

Well that depends...how did you behave about your POV? Were you restrained and reasonable? People rarely break off friendships over something so petty. ALL of my friends, when I lived in CA, had different opnions about things than I did and yet we managed to remain friends.

Answer 10

For me, what she did is unreasonable. I don't argue with people who have different opinions than mine. People have different experiences thus we have different perspective. Defying differences is a must. We have to respect others' opinions. Opinions are something we have to tolerate and accept. It is what's ethical. We couldn't expect people to always go our way.