DEAR ANNIE: The way I have learned to respond to political discussions with people with whom I disagree is to adopt an attitude of curiosity. I genuinely ask why they think the way they do. This leads to a less contentious discussion where they can share their ideas and I can learn both about the ideas and about them as a person, how they think, the values behind their position. If or when I think I have to “win” the argument or difference of opinion, I create tension both for them and myself and miss the opportunity for a genuine, informative and often enjoyable discussion of ideas in which w…
