How do you tell your friend that you disagree with them without hurting their feelings?
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Last Updated: 05/14/2022 at 2:29pm
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
June 2nd, 2021 7:42am
State that you understand their opinion, and have different thoughts on the matter. Sometimes we can be afraid to say no or disagree with our friends. It’s normal that you and your friends aren’t the same people, and you don’t have to have the same opinion on every single thing you talk about. Your friend will understand. Show some of the reasons why you disagree. However, always make sure to use ‘I’ when stating your reasons. It’s never good to tell someone they’re wrong about their opinion on a subject, and can even be offensive. Remember that you probably aren’t right, and neither is your friend! That’s perfectly okay. You’re expressing your opinion, not the facts, more often than not, opinions are just that; opinions.
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2021 4:20pm
it happens most of the time when your views do not match with your friends. and sharing your views might hurt their feeling. you might find it hard to make them understand about your views. but calming down yourself and then explaining things to them with a clear line existing between yours and theirs would surely help. for a more clear vision, you can try explaining them what made you think so. you may ask them to be in your shoes for a moment and then, look at the things. if this does not help, you can just politely let them know that views are different but that must not bring any problems in their friendship. and understanding is not the only option. they can disagree and still be your friends.
I tell them that although I understand where they are coming from, I have had different experiences and believe that something else is more correct. I apologize if it hurts their feelings, that is not my intention. I share what I have experienced and why I believe what I believe. I make sure to listen to their side of the story and what they believe. They need to feel heard too. I usually do not pressure them into switching their opinion, I just focus on facts and expressing why I don't agree with them. I counter their arguments and offer information they may have not thought about or knew about
You use assertivness. You express your understanding of what they're saying with no judegment. You reflect back to them what they're saying, and have empathy, even if your beliefs are completely different. You could say something along the lines of "that is a very interesting perspective. care to listen to an alternative perspective as well?" or you could say something like "i see this in a completely different perspective. i would love to also share with you what this is". as long as I am not being judgemental, harsh, or rude, it is easy to politely let my friend know that I disagree with them.
Use "I"-messages, i.e. stress that it is your opinion. Make sure to state your point without attacking the other person but rather discussing the topic at hand. To avoid offending them also mention that you understand where they're coming from or what their opinion is based on. In case you have professional knowledge and empirical data straight-up disproving said friend, let them know that you're an expert and their claim is solely based on intangible things. However, such opinions do not have to be wrong out of principle. Offer up material to educate your friend if they wish so. Most important thing: Make it about the thing you disagree with and not the person.
A true friend will understand that not every opinion they have is right and true. People have differences, and having a healthy argument within friendships in order to exhange opions are perfectly better. You can tell your friend that if you disagree, you should strat it in a nice and calm way. Explain to her your side, why you disagree and why you think her idea is not appropriate. Communication is must to any relationships and even among friendship. You guys known each other, so I do believe that your friend will never take it in the wrong way. That you just want to express your own opinion.
In any friendship, one must feel free to speak their mind, otherwise it would be considered as dominance and not friendship. But one must bring their opinions to the table without hurting that of others. So before you speak your mind, remind yourself that you are not doing this to be right or prove your friend wrong, you are doing this to simply make your friend see things from a different perspective that they probably did not know of before. Accept their viewpoint if you think it is valid, or politely reject it by backing it with reasons as to why you are rejecting it, for example, 'I respect your viewpoint, but I do not think that is completely right. You see, it does not consider X and Y factors, and for this reason I do not agree with what it is you have to say.' SEE, not too difficult, just realize that your friendship is more important than who is right or wrong, but if your friendship includes completely disregarding your opinions then, FIND NEW FRIENDS!
Anonymous
September 4th, 2021 11:46am
Try and, firstly, see the perspective of the other, asking them questions to clarify specific aspects of their opinion; attempt to understand why this is their opinion. Then, if you feel like you understand their point of view, give a short summary, and ask if you understood it properly (or properly enough).
Afterwards, you can ask a probing question, which has an aspect of your point of view in it, but is not very direct:
“Have you thought about … ?â€
“But what if … happened?â€
“What do you think of … ?â€
Notice their response, is it aggravated or irritated? Then it is probably better to not push the conversation too far, and ask why they seem to be getting a bit heated about this topic, or ask why this topic is important to them. Here you may not have fully given your opinion to the other, but they probably noticed that you did not fully agree with them; furthermore, you have learned something new about your friend, which bettered your relationship.
On the other hand, if the response is calmer, or if the other seems interested in your point of view (or if they were to directly ask for your opinion), you can ask a more direct question and state your opinion more directly:
“I don’t see how … is possible ?â€
“Could you clarify why … would be true?â€
“I don’t agree with you on this, because … . What do you think?â€
“I cannot fully see your point of view here, since … . What do you think?â€
Here the conversation gain more freedom since it will be focused on the topic ― nevertheless, the feelings of the other person still have to be kept in mind. In the end, you and your friend should have a better perspective on one another’s opinions. (It is not the goal to change the opinion of the other.)
During the entirety of the conversation, it remains important to stay calm and actively listen to the other, to always attempt to see their point of view as best you can. Moreover, to make sure that your friend does not become angry or irritated.
Just be honest and fair. Not agreeing does not always declare war. It is very healthy to be able to express your feelings and opinions. Maybe start by saying something like "I respect what you are saying, however I don't totally agree. I am not sayi g either of us is right or wrong, just sharing my thoughts, but I support you no matter what." If they are truly your friend you should be able to have peaceful talks and disagreements without fighting. Good luck, I hope you can resolve it peacefully!
The best way to tell a friend you disagree is to say just that! If you use a tone that isn't agressive, it puts the conversation at ease, and everyone can discuss why they dont share the same views. 99% of these are solved at 'I disagree' because you get along and understand people have different opinions. If you don't solve it there, explain your side and why you think differently. Sharing your point of view on the matter often helps to sympathize with the other person. Understanding the other sides of the story makes for an all- around better discussion.
Anonymous
September 29th, 2021 6:41am
I would first listen to my friend carefully all their points and reference because they have some view point which I haven't seen. so after listening to them I would answer them assertively that everyone have their own view point about things and my point of view differs from theirs.
I think it is important to realize that your friends are your friends for a reason. They are the people that we can be our most genuine selves to, that we can empathize and show who we really are. So in terms of hurting their feelings, it is important to remember to come from a place of love and understanding when talking to them or giving them advice on a situation. It is very easy to not see or understand where boundaries could be crossed. But it is important to remember that as a friend, your support and honesty is what matters the most as well.
Show your friend you have listened to them, tell them you understand and appreciate their perspective. You could then ask them if they have ever thought about it like this? Also it’s a good idea to start the sentence with “I believeâ€- everybody has a different belief system, so by saying this you could let your friend know that you believe something different without implying they are wrong. You will come across a lot less intimidating. If you and your friend can’t see eye to eye, try to avoid talking about this subject together in the future, everybody can’t agree on the same things all the time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be friends.
Maybe you can try something like-"Hey, I hear what you’re saying. I don’t think either of us is wrong, but I think we are on a different page for this right now.
I want you to know that I’m not completely comfortable with that right now. Do you feel comfortable for us to talk about it a bit more? I want us to both be comfortable with this decision.
You’re really important to me, so I don’t want to lose you as a friend and I know we can find a comfortable medium place to figure this out together. Let me know a good time to chat?"
Many times, we are reluctant to share our opinions with other people because we don't want to hurt their feelings, but that may not be the most effective option. Communication is a vital component of any successful and strong relationship. As much as possible, I would try to validate their points without sounding defensive. Starting your reply with something like "I do respect your opinion on it however in my opinion, I believe ___" could help you to not make them feel hurt. Respecting others' opinions and making them feel valid helps to reduce tension. Sometimes our friends may not expect us to disagree with them and may take some time to think about it. Being polite in your replies lowers the chances of hurting someone else.
A lot of times when I want to tell someone something that might conflict with their ideas, I will repeat back their idea first to let them understand that I know and understand what it is that they are saying. Then, I will calmly explain where I am coming from. If you charge into a conversation appearing like you are only seeing things from your point of view people tend to have their feelings hurt because they feel that their opinions and ideas have been rejected. If you approach the situation with compassion and understanding people are usually a little more open to hearing others opinions.
Anonymous
February 18th, 2022 3:27am
I say something like "I can understand and feel where you are coming from but I think I will do it this way instead." I say it is this way so they know what they stated was important but there are also other ways people choose to do things. I think a lot of times people are made to feel their ideas are not as important because someone doesn't use them but in reality they are important but just for them. Not everyone will agree with you and that is okay. It doesn't mean what you feel is any less important.
Communication is essential when it comes to any relationship. IT is common for friends to have disagreements and different opinions. Try to communicate your thoughts in a rational and polite way. Try not to get angry or lose your calm and try to explain your side of the situation. Tell them you have no intention of hurting their feelings and that you just want your point to get acknowledged and be out in the open. Be genuine and express your thoughts in a clear and efficient manner. State facts if it helps you with your case. Stay calm throughout and hope for the best.
First, make sure that you listen to the entirety of what they have to say. If you try to cut them off or intervene with your own opinion, even if you think it is harmless, it takes away their chance to speak freely and they may feel hurt or less heard from you simply cutting them off. After they said their piece, let them know you hear their thoughts and you're understanding their perspective. If you're not quite getting what they're saying, be honest and ask even for clarity where you may need it. Lastly, after you made it clear you understand their perspective and where they're coming from, explain in a calm manner why you disagree with them. Try not to be erratic and keep a level tone of voice as much as possible. In addition, back yourself up with facts and logic that they will be able to understand, so they can truly understand where you are coming from.
Telling a friend that you disagree with them without hurting their feelings may be challenging at first. Like riding a bike, any new skill will feel odd and even wrong. Fortunately there are training wheels and helmets, and people there to help...and you are obviously smart enough to ask for help so good for you! A true friend will know these things about you and not hold a grudge or difference of opinion if it’s shared lovingly, respectfully and with an understanding that everyone is different and entitled to what they think, feel and believe. Be kind and open, speak calmly and clearly and before you know it’s you’ll be much more comfortable sharing your opinions with your true friends.
Make sure you speak in a calm voice and listen to their perspective and share your perspective. Let your friend know you respect their thoughts and opinions and if you can't agree then just say in a nice tone, hey let's agree to disagree. My way may not be right for you and your way may not be right for me, and that's okay, sometimes there are more than one way to think and do things. Explain to your friend that there are many ways to think and that's what makes everyone unique because we think differently and have different perspectives.
I think the best way to disagree with anyone is to first restructure the sentence. Acknowledge that the person has an opinion and has the right to have that opinion. We are all different and have different experiences and perspectives. Therefore acknowledging that you understand the person's opinion is a way to show that whilst you may have a different view, you don't label them right or wrong. Even if you do, try to avoid those labels because that will make your friend assume a defensive position and it is much harder to listen and communicate when you feel you are being attacked. Also, instead of saying "I disagree with you" it is better to say "I disagree with the view that ....." which would mean you aren't opposing the person, but an idea. You are friends for a reason, and the reason is probably because you have something in common and enjoy each other's company and like each other overall. Disagreeing is natural and it is also an opportunity for both of you to learn something new or to look at something from a different angle. Try to see it this way and be respectful. You may ask why the person thinks the way they do and perhaps you will understand them better. Even if you dont, state your opinion and the reasons for it but also make sure you state you aren't disagreeing the person, just the view
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