Navigating Political Discussions with Family and Friends
It’s nearly impossible these days to avoid incoming information about headlines in the news due to the current state of the world and the political climate. You might even feel alienated from your family or that you are avoiding “landmine” topics with a particular person or people in your life. This article will give step by step suggestions for how to have a calm and meaningful exchange over the topic of politics with someone who differs in their beliefs from you, should the opportunity arise.
Notice when you are feeling triggered by a politically charged comment or post that is made by another person. Get curious with yourself about what it is that bothered you so much. Are there possible narratives or generalizations you are making about what the other person’s view point means about them as a person or their values? Maybe it strikes a chord that touches on something very near and dear to your heart. A great reason to have a dialogue from a connected and open place.
Instead of firing off a response via text or impulsively reacting, consider asking them if they would be willing to share why they do support said topic or person. If you take the time to genuinely listen to where the other person is coming from, they might actually be more willing to hear your perspective as well. As hard as it might be, just listen without interrupting or challenging them.
After they share, thank them for opening up to you, and see if there are any common values you can both agree on despite having opposing views on the topic at hand. Then ask if it’s ok with them if you share your perspective next.
Example Question: “Hey, I noticed you posted about insert topic/person. I’m working on learning more about both sides of the argument and I was wondering if you’d be willing to share more about why you support topic/person.”
Example Response: “I really appreciate you being willing to tell me more about why that’s important to you, and it makes sense to hear where you are coming from when insert values are so important to you. Those values are actually really important to me too, though I feel differently toward the topic/person than you. Would you be open to letting me share about why I don’t agree with that topic/person?
Remember, you don’t have to agree with the other person, and you also don’t have to make it your mission to convince them that they are wrong and you are right. The biggest way to make an impact one another person’s perspective is to be willing to hear what matters to them, and in modeling that, they will likely be much more receptive to hearing your side too.
