I am writing this column the afternoon of the midterm election. Obviously, I have no idea who has won. What I do know is that there are some very happy people right now. There are also some very unhappy people right now.

I want to talk about different ways to handle the situation, whether as a nation, a family, a business, a couple, when one side clearly wins, and the other side clearly loses. First, do not rub it in. Do not be a sore winner. Be gracious. Appreciate the points that the other side brought to the table.  Appreciate that it is difficult to lose. Be kind. One side is not better than the other. Your side may have won this time, but don’t worry, you will lose another time.

If you are the losing side. Be gracious. Be aware of what words you choose to use. Accept the verdict; don’t waste time working out how to pretend that the decision wasn’t made. Move forward. Appreciate the points that the other side brought to the table. Even if you disagree with the other’s point of view, still respect the person.

The bottom-line is that this country, business, family, couple needs to continue on. If you waste time being a sore winner or sore loser than nothing will happen. Instead, increase communication. Improve your understanding of your “opponent”, make sure that the other side sees what is important to you. Make compromises. Don’t switch off. Stay engaged but stay gracious.