As we get closer to November and the chance to vote for a new president of these United States, conversations between normally pleasant people can turn ugly when we let our opinions and our enthusiasm rule our basic good manners. I find myself growing more quiet when I don't agree with someone's political or religious position, not knowing what to say without attacking their point of view.
Then recently someone gave me a golden nugget of advice on how to be pleasant without sacrificing what you believe in. Just four little words you could use in those tricky situations when you need to respond to something you couldn't possibly agree with: "You could be right". You're not saying they ARE right, or that you agree with them, but you've managed to make them feel like you're listening and considering what they are saying without criticizing or trying to persuade them to change their position.
Patti Stevenson
