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How do you tell your friend that you disagree with them without hurting their feelings?

Profile: ListeningSam
ListeningSam on Dec 20, 2017
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A true friend would value your honesty more than if you agreed with them and then the truth came out that you didn’t. Be honest and upfront with them, But do it in a nice way (Put the shoe on the other foot…. Or how would you like it to go down if it was you). Remember that you are friends after all and you should be able to have agreements and disagreements without jeopardizing that, you are human and we are not all programmed the same, it’s okay to have your own views on things.
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Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Dec 23, 2017
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Sometimes when you disagree with someone, it will hurt their feelings, but that is not your fault. Everyone is responsible for their own emotional experience. As long as you love that friend and care for them the best you can, that is all that matters. Just because you have a different opinion than them doesn't mean you love them any less. They may get upset when you first disagree with them, but again that is okay and that is something they need to work through--that is not your fault. The love that you have for them and the disagreement are not related. So I would just remind them that it is possible to have different opinions, and still love and care for each other as friends. Nothing has changed just because you disagreed.
Profile: HavenonEarth
HavenonEarth on Dec 24, 2017
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Any friendship IS always possible without agreeing or liking absolutely everything together! You can say that while you acknowledge and respect their opinion on said topic, tell them politely but honestly your thoughts on the same thing. If you approach the situation in a calm and civil manner, the person is far more likely to treat you well too.
Profile: brightWriting43
brightWriting43 on Jan 4, 2018
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An important thing to remember while opposing someone is keeping a calm, reasonable tone to your voice and being in control of your emotions.
Profile: LindyLove
LindyLove on Jan 7, 2018
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It really depends on the type of relationship you have with your friend. I have some friends I can be very blunt with and flat out say "I don't agree with you. I think........." and there are some friends I have to be more sensitive with "I hear what you're saying, and I think that's a very valid opinion, but I feel..........". Using "I feel" and "I think" statements really puts the focus on the fact that it's ok to be different. Telling someone they're WRONG will always come with pushback and sometimes with hurt feelings. Saying that you feel differently (in a calm, respectful manner while also validating their views) lessons the problem.
Profile: Heyanonhowwasyourday
Heyanonhowwasyourday on Jan 11, 2018
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I find the best way is to first repeat back to your friends their argument in a way that shows you understand the underlying reasoning behind their opinion and then afterwards offer your opinion. 'Throwing John a party would be fun and it'd really show that we care about him ... but I am worried that with him being so introverted he might get stressed out by all the attention'
Profile: HealingSoul82
HealingSoul82 on Jan 16, 2018
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Do it positively, change statements into questions, find more benefits in it, choose words carefully, show examples, do it sincerely, and smile.
Profile: mysteriousSunset61
mysteriousSunset61 on Jan 18, 2018
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As strange as it sounds, you have to censor out a few words. Words and feelings that can make their feelings regarding a certain topic seem invalidated or wrong can affect them negatively, so a healthy dose of discretion is recommended. Along with a bit of politeness and civility, you can make your opinion heard and make yourself to be a person that they'd want to have civil discourse with.
Profile: LucilleTwo
LucilleTwo on Feb 3, 2018
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Well, it can help to start by validating their opinions and clarifying that even if you don't agree that doesn't make their point less valid. :)
Profile: Yinyer
Yinyer on Feb 25, 2018
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Just be honest about it, but make sure to say that you don't mind that they have a different opinion on this. You can disagree on certain things, but it doesn't mean that you dislike them for having a different opinion. If you say it in a respectful manner, they shouldn't get hurt over your disagreement
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