Photo by Alexandros Papanikolopoulos
4. Don't Pass Judgment. Keep in mind that political discussions can get tricky because politicians use language to evoke our emotion and touch on people’s values and morals. Once we get into a conversation about values and morals, it is so easy to get seduced into judgement and criticism of the person who holds a value that is different than our own. It’s important to know that a decision to have a conversation with
your mate about politics may be a window into what mate’s
values. This can open up more questions in your
relationship or it can bring your relationship to increased
common ground. If you are going to go down this road,
be aware of how you and your mate respond to one
another when there is a difference. Does it become
personal? Are you able to see each other as being
separate from a particular political conviction? This
could be an indication of something larger with regard
to how you navigate differences. You need not have the
exact same opinions or even identify with the same
political parties, but it helps if there is some similarity in
morals and values. Figure this piece out together, morals
and values are important in your relationship so look for common ground there.
5. Give a Little Respect. In every relationship, you deserve to be heard, and if you care for someone, their opinion is important too. If topics get emotional and tempers flare, proceed with caution. That extra respect you give to your partner goes a long way in support of a strong relationship.
If you keep these 5 things in mind and both of you feel heard and respected, in spite of any differences, you just might manage to have a successful discussion around a potentially tricky issue! Who knows, maybe you and your mate will be the next James Carville and Mary Matalin; these two political polar opposites seem to have it down.