Navigating Relationships and Politics

By Erinn Williams, LCPC

Now more than ever, political viewpoints are popping up in our daily lives and that includes impacting close relationships. Navigating a relationship with a friend, family member or romantic partner who has a different political view than you can be challenging - but NOT impossible!

Being able to have candid conversations with our partners is important to the longevity of our relationships. So, where do you begin?

COMMON GROUND

Seeking and identifying areas of common ground between both sides of a relationship is a great place to start. Try exploring your shared values. Try to understand how and why you came together in the first place, along with discussing your current common goals and dreams. All of this can help resurface those deep-rooted similarities and shared values - making areas of disagreement feel less intense. Remember, it’s not always just about the politics!

WANTING WHAT’S BEST

As polarized politics become a more prominent topic of conversation, remember that your partner chose their political candidate or side because it resonated with their own values. Understanding this can lead to a deeper knowledge of one another’s perceptions, morals and personal experiences. Instead of making assumptions, try asking questions like this: “What specific values shape your political views?” Or, dig even deeper by asking, “What specific value backs this specific belief?” You might be pleasantly surprised with what you uncover and learn.

LISTEN

Be present and go in with an open mind. Make an effort to dedicate uninterrupted time to sit with your friend, family member or partner to discuss certain political topics. Try not defend your viewpoints, but listen to the beliefs on the other side. What you both have to say is important! 

The goal of these sometimes difficult discussions is to see how and why someone arrived at their opinion. This style of listening can even benefit other areas of your relationship, too! Try to keep these conversations light-hearted. If things get heated, take a break, and come back with one goal in mind - wanting to understand without judgment. 

Disagreeing doesn’t necessarily have to be a deal breaker in a relationship, either. Remember, you don’t have to agree on everything, but by accepting our differences and understanding the root of them, the opportunity to build stronger, healthier relationships with others and ourselves can present itself!