We have December. We have 2020. I have no data points if this is true or now. It seems like that there are more arguments than usual - at least in my life time and people are having less healthy conversations. Put it differently, disagreeing and being ok with it is not that usual any more, positions are held more rigorously.
I heard someone speaking about "what do you do when you actually dismantled someone else's claims, they agree with it, but then still say they dont believe it".
It is a fair point and certainly some truth to it that when someone's arguments are actually falsified but the person still can't change their opinion, it might well be that there is something in their belief system which gets triggered/uncovered. And for that to change that requires a combo of confidence, self reflection, vulnerability, respect of the other person that it is ok to change one's mind (not losing face), and/or eagerness to learn.
What stroke me though is how the situation is phrased. The perspective was that the person who asked the question assumed that they were right and how to handle a person acting like that. What about if you are the person who stands on a hill without any ground?
An interesting question I learned - sorry, no recollection from whom - "what would it need for you to change your mind/what fact would change your assessment"?
This is a healthy exercise. What one, or multiple, thing would need to be there for you to change your mind? And not only that, also, maybe you realize that you too have your own belief system that is hard to change with facts. So you might end up in a situation realizing there is also nothing the other person can tell you that you would change your mind right now.
And from my pov, this is alright. You should obviously be open to changing your mind, but also realizing that it is irrational is a healthy step and might make you more empathetic to other people who have a hard time changing their mind/behavior.
Two finishing thoughts before you head off:
a) a helpful way - at least for me is - to not think about "changing my mind" but "expanding my mind/opinion". we are not born with all the information we want or need. We learn and adapt. Before you knew behavior X hurts someone's feeling, you might have done it too. Nothing wrong with "changing your opinion on a topic", if it makes it easier, think of it as expanding.
b) Paraphrasing a quote I cant find the original version from: "The ones who never change their mind are the crazy ones".
With that, here's to a healthy upcoming Christmas conversation with your family.