How To Deal With Political Discord in a Relationship
Everyone would respect each other's political beliefs in a perfect world.Politics tear apart friends, family, and even partners and spouses in this world.You may think your relationship is doomed if you and your partner are on opposite sides of politics.If you stay respectful, look at the benefits, and agree to disagree, you can deal with political unrest with your partner.
Step 1: You should watch your tone.
People get hurt during disagreements when one person feels like the other is disrespecting them.The edge in their voice can cause this.Hard feelings may be stopped by keeping condescending attitudes out of the discussion.Take a break from the conversation when you feel like you are getting worked up.You can say, "I need to take a break."When you've calmed down, you can always return to the conversation later.Excusing yourself from the conversation is respectful and can prevent a big fight from happening.
Step 2: Don't let your beliefs get in the way of the other's.
You don't need anyone else to be involved in your political discussions.It is not necessary to talk about your partner's politics to your children.Keeping the political talk between you and your partner is a better way to resolve your disagreements.You can talk to your children about politics if you keep your own opinions to yourself.Don't add anything other than the facts and stick with the basics.Voicing your opinion in a calm way allows you to move on and keep the relationship intact.
Step 3: Speak negatively towards one another.
It is common for Democrats and Republicans to insult each other.It is not acceptable to do this with your partner.Although you have a different opinion on politics, you should not hit below the belt to get your point across.Politics is a spectrum, and there can be a lot of gray area.Don't assume something about the other person's beliefs because of their political alignment.They don't agree with everything presented by one side.It is not a case of "all or nothing" when it comes to people and politics.
Step 4: Listen, instead of speaking.
People don't listen as intently as they should in a majority of conversations.They are waiting for the other person to stop talking so that they can speak.misunderstandings and hurt feelings can occur if you don't fully hear your partner.Listen to what your partner has to say and then formulate a response.It may take some practice and a lot of self-restraint to resist defending yourself and your beliefs.If you do so, you will find that your discussions may not end in as many arguments.You can ask your partner to do the same.You could say, "I am going to listen intently to what you have to say before I make a decision."If your partner is taking about a topic you're not familiar with, be honest and open about it."I'm not familiar with that topic so I can't comment on it, but I'll do my best to learn about it."
Step 5: Remember how important your relationship is.
Remember, how you feel about your partner.There is a reason you are together.If winning the conversation is worth damaging your relationship, think about how much you love each other.Taking a deep breath and walking away from the conversation may prevent a disagreement from occurring in which feelings are hurt.You should realize that your relationship is more important than what is happening in politics.
Step 6: Look at what you have in common.
Chances are you agree on something.Even if it is small, you can build upon it.This common ground can be used to start a respectful conversation.You could say, "I know we disagree on this, but we have the same opinion when it comes to this."If we focus on what we agree about, the conversation will be more productive and less combative.
Step 7: Your other half has their own ideas.
At least your partner is knowledgeable and confident enough to make their own decisions, even if you don't like their opinions.You would not want to be with someone who was in agreement with every opinion you had.Even if their opinion is unpopular, they are comfortable enough in their own skin to speak up.A friend or partner who has different political views can be a great opportunity to test your open-mindedness.Don't disagree for the sake of disagreement, use your differences to learn.Use the information your partner has to your advantage.
Step 8: Fight healthy.
Having a partner who disagrees with you allows you to learn how to argue in a respectful and healthy way.It's possible to have a debate with someone without being mean.It can help you in other situations, such as at work or with other family members.Keep your voice level and calm while discussing your opinions.If you want your partner to talk to you the way you would want them to, avoid using derogatory words.If you feel your partner is becoming disrespectful, point it out in a polite way so they can understand why, and hopefully they won't do it again.
Step 9: Don't say anything about it.
If you can't have a discussion about politics without a big fight taking place, it's time to take a break.Agree to take a break from politics.They need to decide on a time for the break.After the break, you can discuss politics again.You could say, "I think we need to stop talking politics for a while."It seems like we fight more now because of the subject, and I love you too much to let this affect our relationship.
Step 10: As your spouse works out their beliefs, support them.
Your spouse may think they are in agreement with a political party, but they may still be disagreeing.They can develop their political values and opinions by being supportive.Helping the other person become the best they can be is a part of being in a relationship.Unless they are asked for, leave your personal opinions out of the equation and let them know that you are there for them.You could tell your partner, "Although we have a difference of opinion, I respect that you are working to develop your own political beliefs."It will show you are able to put politics aside and focus on the bigger picture if you let them know that you want them to grow and become well informed and strong in their convictions.
Step 11: Don't talk negatively about the political views of others.
If you disagree politically with your partner, they won't want to hear about it.If you don't seem to respect differences of opinion, your partner may take offense and think you are negatively speaking about their own views.If you know it is a hot topic for your partner, don't comment on other people's political views.You can ask your partner to respect your loved ones and not criticize them.Showing mutual respect can make your relationship stronger.
Step 12: Look towards the future.
Your relationship won't be affected by anything a politician does when the dust settles.Chances are that you and your partner will still enjoy spending time together.You will probably not talk about politics again until another election occurs.When the next heated discussion occurs, remember this.