Protests may bring out strong emotions and could lead to conflicts in a friendship. Here are some suggestions for managing differences:
- Respect differences. No two people are going to see eye-to-eye on everything. It’s okay to agree to disagree.
- Find common ground. It’s likely you and your friend share many beliefs and values. Identifying areas of agreement will make it easier to work through specific conflicts.
- Stay calm. When you and a friend disagree, express your views calmly and respectfully. Avoid accusatory language or belittling another person’s beliefs.
- Practice active listening. Focus on what your friend is saying, not on how you plan to respond. Take the time to think through what they have said. If you are upset or need a break, it’s okay to say, “I need some time to think this through. Could we talk about this again later?”
- Focus on constructive dialogue. If your friend is willing, share each of your perspectives and any relevant facts. Avoid trying to convince or “convert” the other person to your point of view. Keep in mind that sometimes, there is more than one approach to solving a difficult problem.
- Set boundaries. Determine what topics it would be better to avoid with certain friends. For instance, if you and a friend share a specific interest or activity, it’s okay to limit your discussions to that topic.
- Respect a friend’s right to self-expression. If a friend is engaging in a protest or other form of social or political activism, respect their right to do so peacefully.
- Limit contact when necessary. If someone uses hurtful or abusive language toward you or a particular group, it’s okay to take a step back. Spend time with positive people who treat you with kindness and respect.
