Stop Telling People They’re Wrong

When two opinions differ in conversation, it is such a difficult thing to have each person understand the other. The irony is that when we’re in conflict with someone, we’re actually more alike than we are different. Think about it — we both think we’re right about the same topic and yet neither of us can empathize with the other.

That said, the moment someone decides to utter the phrase “no, you’re wrong”, the entirety of the exchange goes south. Telling someone they’re wrong is not only an ignorant tactic but also a dull tool in an argument. Now, I’m not going to say “you’re wrong” for using it but I will contend that this method should not be used in healthy adult conversation for the following reasons:

1. It’s inaccurate

There’s no such thing as right or wrong, it’s all a matter of personal perspective. Everyone thinks they are right; no one actively seeks to be wrong. Besides, if we feel and experience something to be true, how can someone else tell us we’re wrong for feeling and thinking a certain way?

Another thing we fail to account for is the interest of the person stating their opinion. Perhaps it’s not the issue at hand that truly matters, but the repercussions or consequences of making that decision. These interests are not evident at face value but that doesn’t make them any less…