Making friends religion
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
When a conversation turns to a divisive topic, do not argue; instead, nod in agreement and quickly steer the discussion back to common ground.
Arguing starts fights and can cause you to lose the friendship.
one person who lived it
Avoid seeking only friends who agree with you, as this creates an echo chamber and causes you to miss out on many friendships.
It prevents your friend group from becoming an echo chamber and avoids missing out on great many friendships.
one person who lived it
State your personal choices as decisions made for yourself to prompt others to reflect on their own without direct criticism.
Simply stating such facts can make people around you reflect on their own choices.
one person who lived it
Stop desperately holding onto relationships with people you do not like or respect.
Your friendship has value.
one person who lived it
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Respect others by acknowledging that their beliefs may be incomprehensible to you, just as yours are to them.
one person who lived it
Focus on understanding each other's positions over reaching agreement in relationships.
Understanding one another's position is more important than agreeing.
one person who lived it
Adjust your behavior to accommodate a friend's specific lifestyle choices or sensitivities, such as dietary restrictions or alcohol use, to show respect and avoid arguments.
This shows respect for their choices and sidesteps potential debates about diet or animal rights.
one person who lived it
Before meeting a friend, consciously plan which topics are safe to discuss with them to keep the interaction focused on shared interests.
one person who lived it