Having an attentive and scrupulous attitude and practicing active listening can help to better handle difficult situations. Active listening is a communication skill that relies on paying full attention to what a person is saying, trying to understand the meaning behind his/her words. It requires listening to the speaker’s content, intents and feelings, and it helps to keep you engaged with your interlocutor in a positive way.

The meanings of non-verbal language and gestures can change from culture to culture. A gesture or a physical movement regarded as neutral or positive in one culture, may not be so in another. Therefore, it may happen that an offence is accidentally caused. If so, it is advisable to apologise promptly, specifying the unintentional nature of the gesture and making sure not to repeat it again.

Keep in mind that religions often entail specific customs and restrictions, as well as different approaches to ritual duties. When talking to people with different beliefs, the first rule is always respect. Moreover, it is important to encourage an open dialogue, allowing interlocutors to explain and expand on their points, without judging and jumping to hasty conclusions.