“Let’s agree to disagree?”

This colloquial expression is believed to have originated in the 18th century. It was first used in print in 1770 by John Wesley, a prominent Methodist minister. He used the phrase to describe a respectful way to handle disagreements, particularly in religious matters. 

Since then, the phrase has become a common English idiom used in various contexts to acknowledge a difference of opinion without further argument. It's a polite way to end a discussion when both parties have reached a stalemate or when further discussion is unlikely to change anyone's mind. 

Just the day after Trump was reelected, we ran into a neighbor who is a Trumpist and who attempted to defend his questionable choice. All along the discussion held for 40 minutes, outside in a 24 degrees freezing cold, we both stayed courteous, listened to each other and “agreed to disagree”. 

It’s true that while "agree to disagree" is a common practice, it's not always the best way to resolve conflicts. Sometimes, it can be more productive to continue the discussion, seek common ground, or find a compromise. However, in certain situations, agreeing to disagree can be a pragmatic and respectful way to move forward.

This said, and in my opinion, “Agree to disagree” should be reserved for things like “I don’t like these skis, or that golf course sucks.” It has no place however when incessant lying, incivility, racism, homophobia, sexism, or human rights. 

Same thing for the right to be treated equally regardless of race, religion, color, country of origin or sexual orientation. At that point we no longer have a difference of opinion, we have a difference in morality, so let’s call a spade a spade.