Here's How to Never Lose An Argument Again
LatestAre you ready to win an argument every time? Whether you’re debating world peace, civil rights issues or who should have taken out the garbage on Monday night because it was their turn and no one should have to remind them because we are adults, Mark, and we do not live like animals, there’s now a better way to argue. And it’s supported by research. Just don’t tell your opponent.
Remember when you were a kid and you had one of those arguments when you screamed “did not/did too” at your sibling/friend/parent who acted more like a child than you which is the reason you are in therapy? Remember how you won by quickly shifting your position forcing the other person to change theirs, thereby agreeing with you and crowning you the winner? Well, much rejoicing is to be had because you can relive those moments time after time and day after day if you agree with your opponent instead of fighting them. Dirty tricks, that’s how arguments are won.
This technique is called a paradoxical intervention and is used in a variety of settings. I first learned about it during my training as a clinician and while it sounds counterintuitive to agree with someone when you don’t actually agree with them, this type of joining may be a way to get your opponent or conversational partner to reevaluate their point of view. And while it may seem like it’s foolproof, it takes a lot of practice and can sometimes backfire. (Actually, if you’re going to do this, don’t do it in an argument about anything important until you are sure you have the technique down.) (You also have to remember that sometimes it’s better to be loved than to be right, no matter what your brain is telling you.)