I created this list to help me deal with comments that I consider to be opinions but the other party considers to be facts. For example, while I am enjoying a cookie, a well meaning friend might announce, “Too much sugar causes diabetes.”
I happen to believe that there are multiple causative factors beneath illnesses, including thoughts, beliefs, and expectations. So instead of explaining that I don’t believe it’s that simple, and trying to launch a discussion about the many potential non-physical root causes of disease, I might try saying something from my list:
- I’d be curious to hear about your personal experience with that concept.
- Thank you, and I’m gonna change the subject now.
- Thank you, and I will give that some thought.
- I agree that it may be one of the contributing factors.
- I am sure that is indeed one piece of a rather complicated puzzle.
- That’s probably true in some cases.
- Sounds like you are really passionate about nutrition.
- I appreciate that you want to share what you learn with me.
- I don’t know what to say to that.
- Wow.
- That’s one way to look at it.
- Could be.
- Well, I tend to have rather unconventional opinions about things like that.
- We may need to agree to disagree on that point.
- Hopefully you can respect my right to take a different perspective.
- That interpretation does not resonate with me, but thanks for sharing it.
- Thanks, and if I want to hear more about that, I’ll be sure to ask you.
- Is this something you want to discuss, or did you just want to let me know your thoughts?
- Sounds like you believe sugar is damaging to the body.
- Sounds like you take a strong interest in health and nutrition.
If you have some other responses to add to the list, please post them in the comment section. This is definitely a work in progress.
