How do you deal with locals as a worldly person?

I’ve only traveled outside the US a couple times, but have lived in several states, and I often find myself clashing with “local” personalities and perspectives. I don’t know if it’s a lack of travel or a state of mind, but I am terrible at dealing with them. They make stupid arguments like that the native people are better drivers or that their area is very rural (despite population maps proving otherwise), or that it gets hotter / colder where they live. I think I’m having a friendly conversation, and they act like I’m challenging their world views. Does anyone have advice on being friendly and sharing your perspective, without arguing, yet not feeing like your bowing down to misinformation or getting put down?