How do you tell your friend that you disagree with them without hurting their feelings?
Anonymous
on
Apr 19, 2019
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The best thing to do is to stay respectful and to explain why you disagree. First, you can say that while you do see where they are coming from, your opinion differs from theirs. Next, you can explain your reasoning while making sure they understand and are not hurt by anything you are saying. You can respond to their statement and / or opinion just do not make it sound like you think it is bad. You can also ask them to explain their opinion more so that they see that you respect them and their statement even though you disagree.
Anonymous
on
Aug 7, 2019
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I would think about how I would like to approach my friend and the best time to taIk about it. I would ask them if they would willing to talk about the situation. I would let my friend know that I disagree with what they said or did. As I still appreciate them, but do not fully support their actions. I would also be interested to know what made them respond in that way. I hope that my friend would be open to discussing the situation. Talking to friends when you disagree with them is hard, but it is helpful to be able to have easy and tough conversations with friends.
Anonymous
on
Aug 16, 2019
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Tell it in a respectful manner while giving great reasoning why you disagree. There's nothing wrong with saying your feelings even if someone disagrees. All can't agree on everything, and unfortunately some can't even take things told in a respectful calm manner. As long as you know you did your best to present your thoughts and do it in a good way, you shouldn't worry about much:).
friendlyHeart49
on
Aug 24, 2019
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I'm quite a blunt talker, so I usually just say it how it is. But, honestly, if I know that person is super sensitive I will start with a "but, I think,..." then go on into why I feel that way. Rather than saying a quick "nah, that's dumb."
I'm autistic so honesty is pretty much my thing. Everyone who knows me knows I will tell you the truth, whether good or bad. But over the years I have managed to tone it down to spare peoples feelings (I've had to, due to some very hurtful comments from my past).
Mpavoy
on
Aug 29, 2019
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I admire that you are considering how your words will affect your friend. You are clearly a very compassionate and caring person. Those are really very wonderful qualities to have. It sounds like you really value your friendships, which is wonderful. How would you feel about trying to come up with some answers together? Would you feel comfortable telling me more? What is the most important thing you want her to understand? How would you want a friend to approach it if you were in your friend's shoes? Please feel free to ruminate on these questions. Take your time. :)
lilpuppy
on
Sep 11, 2019
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First of all, I let them know that I respect their opinion. I tell them that their thoughts and feelings are valid and that they should feel comfortable in sharing their perspectives on different matters. However, I also remind them that since we are two unique individuals, my perspective might be different from theirs and should be heard. This initial clarification helps steer the discussion towards a positive direction. It establishes trust and mutual respect, which are conducive for having a meaningful interaction. It lets the other person know that you care about them and their opinion, are willing to listen to them openly and then, offer your own thoughts for them to listen to and make sense of.
meM0ry
on
Oct 3, 2019
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Sometimes friends don't understand each other, and that's okay. It's important to make them feel seen and their opinion seen, but stand your ground firmly if that's something you really believe in. But also if they present compelling arguments in favor of their own opinion - it's okay to change yours. We all have different experiences, so pointing that out in conversation might be a good idea. In the end, you don't always know what shaped their opinion. So being kind and caring is the key, i think. It's also important to make sure they know you're still their friend, even if you don't agree with them on some things.
BlueJayRose
on
Dec 20, 2019
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Sometimes you disagree with a friend even though you believe that you should agree with them because they are your friend. Some ways that you can tell them without hurting their feelings can be critical to saving a relationship, especially if said disagreement is critical.
One of the ways that you can tell a friend that you disagree with them without hurting your feelings is to just talk with them and be honest. If you try to maybe lie and try to soften the fact that you do not agree with them, it can come back and punch you in the face if they figure out that you were lying to them or get offended that you didn’t just telling the truth.
Another way to tell a friend that you disagree with and without hurting your feelings is to write them a simple note, hand written, and hand it to them before going your separate ways. This will remove a possible awkward scenario between you two in person, allowing each to think before having to socially communicate together a situation that might not be comfortable.
In the end, you should be honest and straightforward with a friend whom you disagree with so as not to hurt their feelings if they learned that you lied to them. If you have to tell a friend that you disagree with them, I wish you luck and I hope that your friendship will remain strong despite the disagreement!
Anonymous
on
Dec 28, 2019
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I would say it politely and not in a rude manner. You don't want to make them think that they are disturbing you. I would also assure them that what you are not meaning to hurt their feelings and that it's simply a disagreement. Another thing that you could do it negotiate in away. Try and say you're opinion but then say something positive about their opinion. That seems to work because you are backing both and them up. Remember, don't be afraid to tell a friend the truth. If they are true friends they will accept the disagreement and know you had good intentions.
kindDreamer9743
on
Mar 5, 2020
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This is always a difficult one to tackle depending on the said friends personality which is one you can only judge unless of coarse they have let you know over time that they like to be told things up front rather than beat around the bush! but in all cases if you are unsure how they will react to your opinion which should be accepted like you do with theirs, but this where diplomacy counts so you can get a feel for how they will receive your opinions, another thing to consider is your tone and attitude how you will say about your disagreement.
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