Having a friendly political conversation; "and vs. but"

We've all done it before. While in the middle of a conversation with a friend, family or stranger, we get the urge to share our opinion, make our voice heard... "but what about this." or "but that doesn't make sense because of this."

Using the word "but" is to negate a thought someone is sharing. Even if you disagree, it is their thought and to negate it instantly is to say it does not matter. Try replacing "but" with "and" in your conversations and see what happens. When we use the word "and", two things happen. First, you are more likely to let someone finish their thought because "and" is harder to cut someone off with. Secondly, using "and" provides space for a conversation to be constructive vs. destructive.
One will find that while making space for someone's thought, their "and" thought is in addition and suddenly we move through a conversation with a goal of achieving a deeper understanding of each other... it all starts with listening if you want to be heard.