"No matter how much we try to work with others and get along, the time comes when we can’t agree. It might be with a co-worker, a customer, or a boss. You don’t want to get into an argument. You don’t want to appear disagreeable. Yet, you can’t just go along. Difficult times call for difficult conversations," writes Joel Garfinkle (photo, left) in a piece at SmartBrief.com.

"Here are seven ways to help you look reasonable, interested and supportive, even as you disagree."