Name one thing that destroys a friendship
Agreeing to disagree
Conflicts are inevitable parts of all relationships, especially in emotionally close types. And while many people attempt to hide, ignore, or minimize it, conflict in relationships isn’t necessarily a situation to be avoided. Interestingly, research has shown that disagreements can’t only be healthy; they can result in better general decisions and deepen and strengthen relationships.
According to Merriam Webster, agree to disagree is a phrase that means “agreeing not to argue anymore about a different opinion.” Disagreement doesn’t have to lead to hostility and fistfights. It can lead to a better understanding of each other. This phrase (agree to disagree) resolves a conflict that needs all parties to tolerate the opposing positions, even when they don’t accept it as the best choice. It is normal and natural to have sincere and honest differences as far as valid differences of opinions. In any relationship, agreeing to disagree lets us put these inevitable differences in perspective. No couples or friends can agree on everything, and having irreconcilable differences does not mean you can’t continue to be friends or lovers. In any true relationship, feeling accepted by your partner irrespective of your flaws and if they disagree with your opinions can further increase closeness and intimacy.
Honest differences of opinion should never be permitted to destroy a Friendship.
These differences of opinion are normal. They exist in relationships to help the couples foster their growth and understanding. While it can be quite difficult to keep your mind open at all times, even when we feel passionate about a particular subject, listening to the other side of the divide and empathizing with them allows you to gain more understanding. But disagreeing with their point of view is also a normal thing. The benefits of being open-minded are numerous, including better coping skills, reduced stress, and problem-solving skills.
Agreeing to disagree often occurs when the individuals recognize that further disagreement and conflict would be ineffective, undesirable, or otherwise unnecessary. While unresolved fights lead to charged conflict between people, agreeing to disagree lets us feel closer and can lead to an increased understanding of one another. Conflict resolution requires us to hear the other person’s point of view. When properly viewed from their perspective, agreeing to disagree becomes affirmative. It provides the chance to grow and develop a diversity of perspectives. Gaining access to a greater variety of viewpoints inevitably results in different options and flexibility for the issue at hand and issues that come up later on. Finally, it allows us as individuals to calm down, let go of our anger. Understanding someone and seeing things from their point of view ultimately lets us calm down and let go of our anger, especially about the things we can’t change or control.
Learn to live in peace with others (not just your family, friends, or lovers) as you can’t always change their opinions. You shouldn’t feel obligated to do so anyway.
