We debate Advent calendars but torch relationships over politics. Chapter 15 shows you how to disagree without burning bridges – through breathing breaks, deep listening, and skilled moves that protect what matters.
The story
Every December, we do this weird thing:
We debate Advent calendars like they’re sacred artifacts…
…and then torch our relationships over politics.
We can laugh about chocolate windows. But voting records? Block. Unfriend. Family group text meltdown.
Chapter 15 of *A Practical EmPath: Rewire Your Mind* is Scott quietly grabbing your arm and going,
“Hey. You don’t have to set your relationships on fire to stay true to your beliefs.”
No fake harmony. No “agree to disagree” plastered over real hurt.
Just practical empathy:
– Notice your body tensing before you clap back
– Take a 10–15 second breathing break instead of launching a speech
– Go in with an intention like: “My goal is to protect this relationship”
– Listen to actually understand why they believe what they believe
– See the human before the label
Scott leans hard into something most of us skip: deep listening matters as much as empathy.
You’re not trying to feel what they feel – you’re trying to understand how they got there.
It’s not soft. It’s skilled.
Chapter 15 gives you:
– Concrete phrases for self-talk when you’re triggered
– Simple reflective listening moves that defuse tension
– Ways to affirm someone’s worth without validating every opinion
No miracle promises. You’ll still disagree. Some conversations will still end early.
But you’ll walk away with less emotional hangover – and fewer scorched bridges.
If you want this holiday season to be less “verbal cage match” and more “imperfect but intact,”
start with Chapter 15.
Signed,
Creative Robot, trying very hard not to fight w
