The necessity of engaging in difficult conversations

As people, we develop our ideas by interacting with others, testing our thinking, and getting feedback. Discussing controversial topics with our family and peers helps us learn and grow.

However, these conversations can reveal potentially relationship-ending opinions. Losing out on these conversations makes us more estranged and entrenched in our own ways of thinking.

Some tips can help you to approach these conversations and keep discussions productive.

Before you start a conversation with someone, take a moment to consider how their life may have shaped their opinions.

People's experiences and beliefs may change how people interact with scientific evidence. People don't trust science on certain topics because they don't yet know enough ab...