In this text, the author discusses the challenges of dealing with family members who hold different political beliefs. They emphasize the importance of open communication and setting boundaries to maintain strong family bonds while respecting each other’s differences. The author suggests that dealing with difficult family members can be challenging, but it is not insurmountable.
One strategy for dealing with difficult family members is to focus on who you are and what you can do to deal with them. If you feel hopeless or helpless about your family problems, seek help from a professional counselor or therapist. Focusing on what pulls you together and exercising good self-control during political discussions can help deal with friends and family with radical political beliefs.
During the bruising political season, many Americans are dropping friends and family members who have different political views. Argument experts suggest that conversations can quickly turn into arguments but also be opportunities to build trust, challenge biases, stereotypes, and prejudices. Clear boundaries should be established and hateful and racist comments should not be tolerated.
To maintain a relationship, the author suggests having an open, honest discussion with the intent to ask questions instead of constantly asserting one’s own beliefs. Argument experts suggest four steps to talking with family members disagreeing with on politics: consider your goal, be honest about the stress, and consider the potential Key Takeaways.
The author also emphasizes that families don’t fall apart without prices, as they deeply care about each other’s wellbeing. When dividing presents under the Christmas tree, consider the socialist tendencies of most family members. By focusing on the goals and fostering open communication, you can maintain strong relationships with family members who hold different political beliefs.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Fighting With a Family Member Over Politics? Try These 4 … | Fighting With a Family Member Over Politics? Try These 4 Steps · Step One: Clarify (or Paraphrase). · Step Two: Agree (or Praise). · Step Three: … | time.com |
| A Democrat/Socialist/Liberal family member wants to visit … | Come into the discussion with the intent to have an open, honest discussion. · Ask questions instead of constantly asserting your own beliefs. | quora.com |
| Political Discord Within Families: How to Cope | Patient Care | “Family therapy can help members of a family share their thoughts and feelings in a safe setting with an experienced moderator,” she adds. | weillcornell.org |
📹 Charlie Kirk: How To Handle Woke Family Members
Are Mixed Political Families Splintered?
As Trump prepares to confront Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, families with mixed political beliefs face heightened tensions. Many individuals feel compelled to conceal their voting preferences from spouses and parents to maintain familial harmony. With Trump's anticipated return to office, the BuzzFeed Community has been soliciting stories from those with divergent political views from their relatives.
Despite the perceived fragmentation, research indicates that significant family rifts over politics weren't as prevalent in 2020, with only a small percentage of strong Democrats and Republicans reporting substantial impacts.
However, Americans increasingly view politics as deeply personal, contributing to friction amidst the upcoming election. A 2016 study highlighted that one-third of marriages involve couples with differing political beliefs. Additionally, an October study from the University of Missouri revealed that partisan differences are more likely to create divides in family dynamics than to unify them. Polling shows that a majority of Gen Zers hold differing views from at least one parent, leading to conflicts and estrangements.
Pew reports emphasize that political identity now supersedes traditional markers like race or age in determining personal associations, resulting in severed ties among friends and family during this tumultuous political climate. Ultimately, partisan divides are shaping familial relationships more than ever before.
Does Politics Always Come Between Family Members?
Politics has always strained familial relationships, but the intensity of these discussions has escalated since Trump’s presidency. Many feel unable to accept relatives with starkly opposing morals and values, underlining the notion that personal beliefs intersect with political ideology. During heightened political seasons, Americans increasingly sever ties with friends and family over differing views. Experts advocate for open dialogue instead of avoidance.
To navigate political disparities while preserving relationships, insights from marriage and family therapists are valuable, focusing on conflict management and boundary-setting. A 2021 poll indicated only 11% of Americans reported having cut off a family member due to political differences. However, as political opinions become personal and divisive, friction within families may increase, especially as elections approach. It's crucial to understand how personal biases affect reactions during discussions.
Techniques to maintain harmony include establishing household rules during politically charged gatherings, as exemplified by one mother who successfully mediated family disputes through 10 specific guidelines. Ultimately, prioritizing family cohesion over political disagreements is essential; separating politics from personal connections can help mitigate the risk of estrangement. Effective communication strategies are vital for maintaining familial relationships amidst political turmoil.
Should You Avoid Talking About Politics With Family And Friends?
Many individuals opt to avoid political conversations with family and friends who hold differing views, especially during contentious political periods. The current landscape shows a trend of Americans distancing themselves from friends and family member due to political disagreements. Experts, however, advocate for more dialogue rather than less. Setting boundaries around political discussions fosters healthy relationships and well-being amid challenging times.
When friendships are otherwise strong, effective communication strategies can help bridge political divides. The political divide within families is widespread, with many Americans rejecting the political views instilled by their parents. Roughly 61% of voters prefer to avoid political discussions during gatherings, marking the divisiveness of these topics. To maintain relationships, participants in political discussions should take turns expressing their viewpoints, ensuring active listening and summarization.
Implementing house rules to minimize arguments can be effective, as seen in one family's approach to cease political disputes altogether. Additionally, a professor suggests seeking to understand opposing viewpoints and approaching conversations with respect and openness. Emphasizing personal stories over politics may also enhance connection during family interactions.
Can You Change A Difficult Family Member?
Dealing with difficult family members can often feel overwhelming and impossible. The more effort one invests in trying to fix a difficult person, the more demands that person tends to place upon them. It’s vital to recognize when conversations shift from seeking solutions to merely aiming to "win" an argument. Difficult individuals exist within families, and their challenging behaviors can strain overall familial relationships. To manage these interactions, it’s crucial to utilize healthy communication and conflict resolution strategies, ensuring that personal needs are prioritized.
Setting boundaries is an essential first step, allowing individuals to take control of their reactions to toxic or disrespectful behavior. Identifying triggers for conflicts can provide insight into improving interactions. Starting conversations during calm moments rather than confrontational ones is also important. Ultimately, recognizing that the only person you can change is yourself can pave the way for healthier family dynamics.
Mourning the fantasy of an ideal relationship and focusing on how you respond are actionable steps. Family dramas are common, but through strategic adaptations in one’s approach, it is possible to navigate the complexities of difficult family relationships more effectively.
How Can I Deal With A Difficult Family Member?
Dealing with difficult family members can be a significant challenge, but there are effective strategies to improve those interactions. Preparation and communication are key. This guide offers steps to navigate tough family dynamics. It emphasizes that conflicts often feel personal, yet it's essential to remember they aren't about you. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial—clearly define what behaviors you won't tolerate and the consequences for crossing those lines.
Communicate these boundaries calmly and consistently. It’s also helpful to choose your battles wisely, focusing on issues that matter while avoiding unnecessary arguments. If resentment exists, empathetic understanding of the other person's perspective can aid in resolution. Moreover, taking breaks or time-outs when needed can provide necessary space. Throughout these interactions, prioritize your behavior and choices.
Remember, family drama is inevitable, but by practicing healthy communication and self-protection, you can foster more manageable relationships during family gatherings. In summary, focus on what you can control and strive for constructive conflict resolution.
📹 Political debates: solved! How to talk politics with family members. (Solutionaries)
It’s peak political season, and it might be hard to avoid bitter debates between candidates and divisive social media posts.
My sister is a hard left-leaning liberal. Fully indoctrinated in the North Carolina College system and a 15 year employee of NC State. We are pretty sure that my mom dropped her on her head or something. She’s so proud of America she’s a full-time resident of Italy. She dropped her vote for Biden and then hauled ass to Europe.
Great points by Charlie as always. I have neighbors who have family bickering, so much drams lead by the mother. So controlling and wont let things go. So she pours it on me as if trying to get me to dislike her kids to side with her. I continually point out to her that I never give advice or say ANY statements. I ask questions hoping it gets HER to think. Charlie is right…ask questions.
10 months ago, my best friend of 30 years and I had a falling out over politics – he’s a Bill Maher style “classic liberal” who slurps up all the media propaganda and still wears two masks even in his own car, and I am a recently red-pilled, what I would call, a Constitutionalist, and vehemently pro-life after decades of toxic feminist brainwashing. We didn’t speak for 6 months because of my pro-life stance – his choice – and then one day he randomly came to my door and without even asking how I was doing, he said, “You still on the Trump Train?” Just to be sarcastic, I said “Ultra MAGA, baby”. He said “Ok, eff off then” and he hurled the typical liberal insults: racist, fascist, and all the popular “phobes”, even though after 30 years, he knew I was none of those things. I hadn’t heard from him at all until a few days ago when he texted me that he wanted to talk things out (he has no other friends, btw). I texted back that that ship already sailed. I told him he had shown me his true colors and how he truly did not value friendship if he was so willing to cut ours off simply because I began questioning things that I – and he – had accepted blindly for decades. I told him that the message he sent me by cutting me off is that I should be willing to walk on eggshells around him because if it wasn’t politics, eventually it would be something else I did “wrong” in his eyes. What he did over just a difference of opinion truly affected the way I see him now and it has nothing to do with politics, it has to do with his lack of loyalty.
I have to basically just accept that my parents think I’m either lying or crazy. “Oh, I know that your kids’ schools were crazy so you have to homeschool now. But that’s just a weird, one off thing. You should move back here to LA! It’s GREAT here! Your cousins have ASSURED me NONE of this sex stuff is going on in their schools. And there’s lots of nice people here!” Never said anything about bad people being there. Though I COULD, I guess. But I know plenty of good people complaining about schools there. They’re getting fired or having their kids stolen. What I DID say is the LAWS and school policies are bad. But my mom just wants to be in denial. “I’m sorry the school system didn’t work for YOUR kids. But that’s not happening here.” (Aka “This is a YOU problem”) “If you’re REALLY Christian you’re just supposed to accept things and forgive people and pray. You’re not supposed to judge!” (AKA “Keep quiet and pretend that nothing is wrong. I don’t want to be BOTHERED.”) I don’t want to lose my entire family over this, but the price is that I MUST obey my mother’s insane demands for acceptance of HER ideas, to the point I have to just be super shallow about everything or maybe even lie. Lie in front of my children 😡 Plus I really suck at lying. I’m seriously really, really bad at it. Idk how I can go on like this. But I don’t have a lot of people. My husband’s family are not close. His mom is passed. I wish she was still here. I’m introverted and shy and anxious, so I don’t socialize easily.
I’ve cut multiple family members off who are liberal and the kicker here is I’m adopted. Family is extremely important to me BUT it is to a point that I have to walk on eggshells just keep the peace? NOPE. I have been the source of hurt because I reached out to them and told them all what I truly think of them. Ultra MAGA and proud!
With the exception of one of my two sisters, my whole family is conservative Republican. That one sister is very adamant in her beliefs, very vocal to the point of volatility, and VERY bigoted (like most liberals) to the point where she refuses to even listen to ANY point of view that differs from her own because SHE is right and you’re wrong – PERIOD. So my past experience has taught me never to discuss politics with her, nor do I discuss religion with her as well. My life’s experiences have taught me that you simply can’t discuss politics with liberals because they just don’t want to hear it. They’re right and you’re wrong, and that’s all there is to it. Never mind facts! THEIR opinions are right, and yours are wrong. End of story. I refuse to waste my time with people like that. I either just let them speak and bite my tongue, or I leave the room. Most of the time I leave the room because I suck at biting my tongue.
My brother-in-law is trying to be a centrist and it seems it’s because he’s embarrassed to be conservative. At our last family gathering, he asked myself and my other brother-in-law to consider Liz Cheney for president. We both immediately replied n9 and explained about her joining the Jan 6th investigation without being appointed by the republican leader. He said the Republicans wouldn’t appointment anyone and we had to inform him otherwise.
We love you Charlie, but you obviously need to read the Word of God more thoroughly. We are in fact to disassociate with them: 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. 12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” Titus 1:9-13 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 10 For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 2 John 9-11 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Avoiding political topics with some Democrat family members just doesn’t work. We lost my oldest granddaughter to the dark left. My son is broken hearted about it, but she was making the entire family miserable with her constant verbal attacks against us for being Republican. We all agreed to avoid politics whenever she came to family dinners, etc, but it didn’t work. She just kept bringing up her political beliefs and basically challenging anyone who dared to disagree with her. She became so aggressive that my son had to ask her to leave his home. The entire family is torn up about it, but it was her choice to make. In high school she was a sweet girl and even claimed she was pro-life, but after only one year at a liberal college, she came back a completely different person. She started attending BLM rallies, pro-abortion marches, and gay pride parades. She also started using very foul language, which we’ve never used in our family. We keep hoping and praying that she’ll one day see the light and come back to our family….but I fear it’s too late.