Use Mindful Communication to Navigate Holiday Conflicts

2 people having a discussion

sharing-food-3184177_0.jpgHoliday dinner tables aren’t always as joyful as a scene from a movie. For many, differing opinions on topics ranging from politics to child-rearing styles can quickly sour the mood over a family dinner.

Some people thrive on conflict, enjoying a heated discussion, while others want to avoid it so much they remain silent or even pretend to agree with opinions that don’t actually feel right for them. Do either of these sound like you?

Actually, both of these strategies are misguided. If the goal is to have a meaningful connection, that means listening attentively to things you disagree with and keeping a sense of empathy for the other person. And rather than avoiding difficult conversations, it can actually deepen your relationship to engage in the dialogue skillfully.

But how can you do it?