When engaging in a conversation with a very opinionated person, it's important to be mindful of your language and approach to avoid escalating tensions or creating unnecessary conflict. Here are some things you should avoid saying:
"You're wrong": Directly challenging their opinions can be perceived as confrontational and may trigger a defensive response. Instead, try to understand their perspective and engage in a respectful debate.
"You always..." or "You never...": Using extreme language can make the person feel attacked and close their mind to further discussion. It's better to focus on specific points and avoid generalizations.
"I don't care" or "It doesn't matter": Dismissing their views outright can come across as dismissive and disrespectful. Show that you value their opinion even if you don't necessarily agree.
"That's ridiculous" or "That's absurd": Name-calling or using derogatory language is unproductive and will likely lead to hostility. Stay respectful, even if you strongly disagree.
"Everyone thinks you're wrong": Appealing to a supposed majority against them can make them feel isolated and reinforce their belief in their opinions. Stick to discussing the merits of the argument.
"You're just being emotional": Dismissing their stance as purely emotional disregards the validity of their perspective. Emotions can be an essential part of belief systems, so acknowledge their feelings and focus on the facts.
"You're too sensitive": This statement can trivialize their emotions and undermine the conversation's objective. Try to empathize and create an atmosphere of understanding.
"Let's agree to disagree": While it can sometimes be appropriate to reach a point of mutual acceptance, using this phrase too early might be perceived as dismissive of their position. Instead, strive to find common ground or points of understanding.
"You never listen to other viewpoints": Accusatory statements may further close them off to different perspectives. Encourage open dialogue by demonstrating active listening and understanding.
"You always talk about this": Repeatedly reminding them of their opinions can be irritating and discourage them from discussing any other topic. Try to diversify the conversation and explore new subjects.
In discussions with opinionated individuals, aim to create a safe and respectful space for sharing ideas. Focus on active listening, understanding their perspective, and using rational arguments to express your own views. Respectful communication can lead to a more productive exchange of ideas and potentially open the door to finding common ground or areas of agreement.