Civil discourse is important, but we have to move beyond words and into a place of empathy and compassion for each other. We have to move away from the criticism and contempt. We have to start listening to each other. Given our current political climate this becomes more important now than ever. The divisiveness in our country reminds me of couples who are in distress that come to therapy for help. We need to start responding to each from a place of love and really try to understand what is at the heart of the matter for the other person. Give this TED talk a listen. Perhaps if we change our language we can begin to connect with each other and they can feel heard and then be more willing to listen. I don't think we are as far apart on issues as we think we are.