As the weather turns cooler (yes, even in Texas), millions of Americans are preparing to sit down with family for Thanksgiving. If you have a family like mine, there are some house rules during Thanksgiving dinner. No stuffing our faces with mac and cheese or green bean casserole, and no talking politics. This second rule is imposed because political discussions within a family are often frowned upon.

However, this Thanksgiving, I encourage everyone to discuss politics - not as a way to start fights, but as a means to foster understanding among one another and, in turn, the world.

Bringing your best questions and curiosity to the table to have a mature, adult conversation (this applies to the kids' table, too!) is the best way to open a conversation. In today’s political climate, a discussion of politics can get too hostile, too fast. The hostility can be attributed to people’s tendency to be confrontational and argumentative. When peaceful dialogue is lost, civility between ideologies is also lost. The end result is nothing more than both sides having an increasingly sour attitude towards the other side. But when people bring a genuine, authentic curiosity of opposing viewpoints, an appreciation of the other side as a whole is gained.

Political discussions have rarely resulted in someone changing their mind. However, a willingness to talk and reach out to the other side is a sign of healthy, productive civil discourse that makes our country stronger. Going back to the beginning of America, the Founding Fathers and Mothers intentionally created a system of government that encouraged civil discourse, compromise, and bipartisanship. Even they knew that a society without meaningful discourse wouldn’t last very long. To quote John Adams, “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right … and a desire to know.” America has always been built on the foundation of being able to talk to one another. Nearly 250 years later, America is still here, and it is our duty as Americans to talk to one another and learn from each other.

Yes, some might argue that in the current state, some people’s ideologies are too extreme or radical to facilitate discussions. However, if we want to bring extremists towards the middle, the first step is to interact with them, not ostracize them. From my own experience, many people with extreme political beliefs can be brought back if people talk to them and offer them a different perspective on the world. Additionally, civil discussions can allow people to abandon support for unfounded conspiracy theories and strengthen the sanctity of our democracy.

So, as families begin making their way to a relative’s house and stocking up on all the Thanksgiving goodies, take a step back and appreciate the incredible diversity of thought that is present in the room. From your MAGA uncle to your blue-haired cousin, each and every one in the family brings a unique perspective on politics that can actually bring people together, instead of dividing them. Once you’re done appreciating the beauty, pull up a chair and start talking. Not immediately about politics, but start talking to one another and listening. That’s where democracy strengthens.

Hajoon “HJ” Yun is the Founder, President, and Chief Reporter for the YUNity Project. He brings to the table a unique, centrist perspective on politics and journalism that allows for the objective truth to shine through amidst a very polarized climate.