What to say instead of 'agree to disagree'

[littleiodine]

I say, “ That’s one way of looking at it. I see it differently.”

[thewoundedhealer]

“Agree to disagree” is such a conversation killer.

[micheleculpepper]

You Rock, Jefferson! Love your way of working with others to achieve a greater level of understanding and cooperation.

[terrimartel]

I'll try that!
In my situation, my partner was raised in a family where it was considered disreoectful to have an opinion that differed from their parents. Listening to your content has made such a difference. During our conversations I say things like this: "I can see that, I've never thought of that, it's really helpful to hear your point of view". It changes the whole dynamic, and I find myself being less fearful. When I feel less afraid of him blowing up, I find myself asking questions that are because I'm truly interested in what he thinks. Please understand, it's been difficult to have my own perspective with a dominant person. At the end of the conversation, when I say "It's ok to disagree, or we can agree to disagree, doesn't seem to trigger anger. Sounding like I'm allowing, or permitting him, to do anything can be a slippery slope. During the conversation I think of your advice Jefferson. I breathe and take it slow. It helps me stay focused and not be pulled into an argument instead of being open to hear and appreciate what is being said.
You've made a difference in my life in ways that reverberate beyond just a conversation. I thank you.

[kimbissegger]

For me, when I say "agree to disagree" it means that I respect that you have an opinion different than mine about this, and we are not going to change each other's minds, so let's "agree to disagree" about whatever the subject is. I am in my 50's and have been using that term for my whole life. I had no Idea anyone would understand it that way.

[suemschuman]

These are extremely helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your communication skills!

[susanfromthemountains]

There wasn't any time at all in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or early 2000s, that we ever said "We'll have to agree to disagree", nor any time that I had to say any of that - in my whole life - to have a wonderful relationship with neighbors or coworkers or family or friends - nor did it ever enter our minds.
It's only in the past 10 years or so that people can't talk and have relationships with one another like we used to have.
I miss the way relationships used to be.
People were once very cordially reciprocal to one another because of respect for one another and because it was ...well.. just very normal, we didn't think hard at all on our conversations or relationships because relation-shipping was like peanut butter and jelly. People think so hard now-a-days about relation-shipping that it's comparable to driving nails into concrete. I miss the old days when we were all just living life together naturally - without making everything an issue for divide. We're seeing the future now, so we are, and I don't much like it.

[shaunmcinnis]

To me, agree to disagree is just a way to prevent an argument for ensuing.

[leahg]

Sometimes I let your shorts play over and over and I think about what you're saying. I practice it in my head. ...political differences with my gown kids.... woulda been good to know this YESTERDAY !!!
😂😅😂❤

[juliaallman]

Great work, Jefferson! I believe that these skills are really valuable for every relationship, and also, for the polarization we are experiencing in the U.S., especially during election season.

[neversaynever]

You are sharing the excellent tools to work with others. Priceless❤

[mzh-vwho]

The reason this is good as that we take care of them first then take care of our business. I'm thinking that they won't think we heard them otherwise. Mr J; great advise! 😊

[eddieffblog]

Jefferson, this is a gem. Wished your book comes out earlier. I’m eagerly waiting for the launch.

[mariaperham]

If it’s not really a big issue to me but I want them to stop trying to pressure me to agree I like to say, “Let me think about that.” Usually they back off and sometimes I’ve seen them start thinking about what they just said and even to the point of back tracking on what they just said.

[Egoliftdaily]

Dayum... I just had this type of convo an hour ago, LOL. I'll be using this info next time. Thanks.

[abovetheroses-]

You’re so on point. Every point. Thank you & kindly, don’t stop delivering these gems.

[Stephenwc]

Similarly "OK I see what you're saying". The next thing I say will depend on circumstances.

[nattamused]

I often tell people “I can see that.” Or “I appreciate that.” Or “I just don’t see it that way.” Or “Thank God we don’t all have to agree.” LOL!

[CJandEllie]

But if the opinion they express is full of hatred and cruelty, I absolutely won't validate it

[michellenowicki]

Thank you Jefferson. All your shorts are so awesome and amazing. We all appreciate you!!❣️