Holding a Position Without a Fight

Six scripts for sharing where you stand with a family member, without turning it into an argument

I see this differently than you do and that is ok.

I'm not trying to change your mind. I don't need you to change mine either. I think we can both be in this family and see this differently.

I know you’re saying that because you care about me, and I don't want to brush that off. I'm okay. I've thought about this a lot. I'd rather we talk about something else while we're together.

I don't think I can explain it in a way that's going to satisfy you, and I'd rather not spend our whole visit trying. I love you. I just see this differently.

I haven't left this family. I just stopped agreeing with everyone about this one thing. I know it might feel like I am turning my back on you, but I’m not.

I'm not going to fight with you about this. I've said where I stand and I'm not going to change it. If we keep going, I'm going to step out for a while, and we can pick things back up later on something else.