How to Disagree Without Losing Your Sanity (or Your Friends)

Let’s face it—these days, walking into a conversation about politics feels like stepping into a dodgeball game where no one told you you’d be the target. The world is more divided than ever, and social media has turned every disagreement into a full-contact sport. One minute you’re checking the weather, the next you’re rage-scrolling through the comments section, convinced that civilization is doomed. But what if we could disagree better—without the stress, the broken friendships, or the urge to throw our phones into the ocean?

First, let’s talk about The Pause. You know that moment when you see a post so outrageous that your fingers twitch, ready to unleash a 17-paragraph rebuttal? That’s your cue to stop. Before you engage, ask: Will this conversation bring me peace, or will it make me want to scream into a pillow? If it’s the latter, step away. Not every battle is worth fighting, and not every person on the internet is looking for a real conversation. Instead, swap doom-scrolling for something that actually nourishes you—like a podcast (The Happiness Lab by Dr. Laurie Santos has great insights on staying sane in chaotic times) or, I don’t know, going outside to touch some grass or hug a tree.

Second, if you do engage, make curiosity your superpower. Instead of launching verbal grenades, try “That’s an interesting perspective—what led you to that belief?” This shifts the energy from combat to conversation. And if all else fails, use the most underappreciated phrase in the history of disagreements: “You might be right.” No, really—say it. Watch how it confuses people into civility. Bonus points if you follow it up with “Pass the snack bowl” to remind everyone that snacks are more important than politics.

Finally, protect your peace like it’s your Netflix password. If a conversation turns toxic, leave it. If the news makes you feel like doom is imminent, take a break. The world will still be here when you return, and you’ll be in a much better state to engage if and when it actually matters.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to win every argument—it’s to keep your energy high, your stress low, and your sense of humour fully intact.