Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by danish. danish Wonders, “I wonder if I can disagree with someone?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, danish!

Which band is the greatest of all time? What’s the best topping to put on a pizza? Which superhero has the best superpowers? Try asking any of these questions in a room full of people. You’ll soon have an argument on your hands! Eventually, you may have to agree to disagree.

Wait. Agree to disagree? What does that actually mean? 

Agreeing to disagree means coming to an understanding with someone you disagree with. When you agree to disagree, you accept that neither of you is going to change the other’s mind. That’s when you stop arguing and move on!

Arguments happen all the time. Sometimes we call them quarrels. Often they might take the form of debates. Or they could simply be spirited discussions. Whatever you call them, differences of opinion happen all the time.

All people have opinions on many topics. Not all of those opinions are based on logic. People might form opinions based on emotion, preference, experience or all sorts of other things. For that reason, people will often have differences of opinion. It doesn’t necessarily mean one person is right and the other person is wrong.

Do you and a friend disagree on the greatest band of all time? There’s no clear right or wrong opinion. It’s just a matter of preference. In these situations, it’s better to agree to disagree. Arguing and fighting could cause hurt feelings.

Agreeing to disagree doesn’t mean you have to give up your opinion. On the contrary, you simply recognize others’ right to hold a different opinion. You just agree not to argue about it!

When you agree to disagree, you build peaceful relationships. Disagreements will always happen. But you don’t have to let them become a real problem. Instead, show others respect by allowing them to hold a different opinion than yours. Agree to disagree. You’ll find your friends can remain your friends even if they don’t think exactly as you do!

Standards: C3.D2.Civ.10, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.9, CCRA.W.4, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.L.2, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.SL.2

Wonder What's Next?

Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day takes a closer look at some really COOL jobs!