kelly.parker•2mo agoMost Upvoted

My cousin in Omaha said he doesn't even argue about the moon landing anymore, he just asks 'what changed your mind?'

He told me last weekend that after 20 years of yelling, he realized he was just fighting the feeling, not the facts. Anyone else find a simple question works better than a whole debate now?

3 comments

3 Comments

riley8609d ago

Start asking people what evidence would actually change their mind. I've done that a few times and it's wild how many people freeze up or admit they haven't thought about it. The real trick is to keep your voice calm and curious, not like you're setting a trap. It also helps to share one small thing you were wrong about first, makes the whole conversation feel safer for everyone. Have you tried that approach with anyone yet?

rivera.jake2mo ago

My uncle in Phoenix stopped yelling about politics and just asks "what convinced you" now.

the_mason2mo ago

That's actually a huge step forward. It changes the whole vibe from a fight to a real talk. When someone just asks why you believe something, it forces you to actually explain your own reasons, not just repeat talking points. It probably makes him think harder about his own views too. More people should try this, it cuts through so much noise. Sounds like your uncle finally figured out how to have a conversation instead of an argument.