Amie M. Gordon is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan where she directs the Well-Being, Health, and Interpersonal Relationships Lab. Maria Luciani is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. Or, Tom and Beth rarely argued, but instead bit their tongues and swept problems under the rug. But these resentments build, and when the perfect storm of tiredness, stress, and alcohol kicks in, politics becomes the garbage can for their unsolved problems and festering emotions.
Seek Professional Help If You Can’t Find Ways To Resolve Conflict
If political differences are creating significant stress in your relationship, consider seeking the help of a therapist. A neutral third party can facilitate productive conversations, help you develop strategies for managing conflicts, and provide tools for improving communication and understanding. Sometimes, the best way to navigate political differences is to focus on actions rather than discussions. Engage in activities that align with both of your values, such as community service or advocacy work.
Q&a With Emily Scheer: Strengthening Your Relationship In Stressful Times
Political debates can quickly become heated, and it’s important to establish boundaries to prevent arguments from escalating. Decide together when and where it’s appropriate to discuss political topics. Lauradate thread on Reddit Sometimes, setting a specific time for these discussions can help manage emotions and ensure that they don’t encroach on other aspects of your relationship.
She has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, equipping her with evidence-based strategies to strengthen relationships. The political climate has infiltrated our most intimate spaces, turning what once were simple disagreements into battlegrounds. These battles aren’t just about who you vote for; they’re about core values, ethics, and vision for the future.
- If this sounds familiar, Boscaljon recommends trying to work with your partner so that you both understand where the other is coming from.
- Communication breakdowns often emerge as a primary consequence of political differences.
- When it comes to handling political disagreements in partnerships, empathy is an effective strategy.
- Having different political views won’t necessarily affect your relationship or day-to-day life.
The impulse to convince others of the rightness of your view—and the wrongness of theirs—gets all the stronger when an issue feels important. Dr. Gilliland says that, as a society, we’ve become so highly emotional and reactive over politics that trying to have a calm, nonthreatening conversation has become exhausting, yet more necessary than ever. “We have lost the goal of critical thinking at the cost of divisiveness and a hatred-filled community,” he says. Rhonda Richards-Smith, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and relationship expert. “Until someone feels understood, they’re likely unable to appreciate anything except for genuine, caring curiosity as a safe point of connection.”
