Abortion, gay marriage: You don’t ‘believe’ in it? Or don’t agree? – USA TODAY

• Ever hear someone say “believe” when they really mean “agree?” It can be frustrating.
• Experts say this slight tweak in language can change conversations – or stop communication.
• If you really want to understand what someone means, ask questions.

“I don’t believe in abortion.”

“You don’t believe in a medical procedure that does, in reality, exist? Or you don’t agree with it?”

With the overturn of Roe v. Wade, conversations around abortion often conflate “believe” with “agree.” This also happens with other topics like same-sex marriage, climate change and more.