Don’t “agree to disagree”.

When we “agree to disagree” we are essentially hitting a dead-end, and thus there is a sense of disconnect. Each side is holding onto their own truth without acknowledging that the other person has another interpretation of the same event.

Both sides can be right. Based on their experiences and logic, their perspective makes sense. At least to them. We’d be better off allowing the other to have their thought, validating and empathizing.

We don’t have to agree or take on their perspective. As possible, work with those two different thoughts for a third new idea. 💬“I can see why you would think that way. It would be easier to keep the tool box by the front door so you can just run in and get it when you need it. At the same time, I think it is more practical to use that space for coats and briefcases. I really do wish there was another space to keep the tool box close to a door.”

Or agree to accept that there is a difference of perspective. 💬“We each see this differently, and that’s OK.”

(In essence, you are still agreeing to disagree, but the tone is more of respect and understanding than the typical “let’s just agree to disagree” ending to a conversation.)