How about listening to your fellow Americans instead of debating them? It might be hard to swallow—but how else are we going to heal this country?

We're constantly pulled into a reactive, emotionally charged, and politically fractured environment. This isn’t healthy. Not for us as individuals. Not for our relationships. And certainly not for our democracy.

Ask yourself: What fears are driving someone’s beliefs? Try saying and then really really listening

: - “I can understand how you might feel if you truly believe that if __________, the world will fall apart.” - (note: fill in the blank with whatever such as "the country's economy declines further" OR "a war begins that drafts our young people" OR "churches are shut down")

“Do you know what I’m afraid of?” It is a question worth asking and even more, the answers need listeners!