Coping with political differences in your relationship can be challenging, especially within the context of our polarized country, but there are steps you can take to keep differences from ruining your relationship.
What Characteristics Do You Both Need to Navigate These Differences?
To navigate these differences, you both need:
- Strong communication skills
- Empathy for each other
- Clear boundaries
- Mutual respect
- An ability to handle differences constructively, which can strengthen your connection to each other
How Can You and Your Partner Understand Each Other's Political Differences?
Since political views are often tied to personal experiences, upbringing, core values and not just political policies, it's important to understand the roots of each other's beliefs, so it's important to:
- Share Your Background: Discuss how your life experiences have shaped your views. This can help each of you understand why your partner has taken a particular political stance and help your partner to understand your stance.
- Focus on the Values You and Your Partner Share: Even if you have political differences, you probably share fundamental values regarding family, fairness and a desire for the future. If you focus on these commonalities, it can bring you closer.
How Can You Set Clear Boundaries?
Setting clear rules about your discussion can prevent these discussions from damaging your relationship:
- Schedule Your Time: Set a clear amount of time for these discussions rather than allowing them to be open-ended or erupt during stressful times.
- Know How to Take a Break: Agree to pause if the conversation is becoming disrespectful. You can both return to it later. Some couples find it helpful to designate certain topics as off limits to preserve harmony in their relationship.
- Limit News Consumption: If broadcast news is a source of stress in your relationship, discuss with your partner how you can both limit the time you consume news (see my article: How to Cope With News Anxiety).
How Can You Develop Curious and Respectful Communication?
Instead of having a heated debate, focus on making your talk an opportunity to learn and connect:
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Approach your conversation with a genuine curiosity by asking questions like "What are you thinking about this issue?" and "I would like to understand how you came to this conclusion. Can you tell me more?" (see my article: Start With Curiosity and Not Confrontation).
- Practice Active Listening: Rather than waiting your turn to argue with your partner, listen and attune to what your partner is saying so you can listen to your partner's perspective. Reflect back what you heard so you can show you're engaged in what your partner is saying and you're trying to understand.
- Avoid Personal Attacks: Avoid insulting your partner or questioning their character or intelligence. If you discuss your differences with respect, you can both keep the conversation from escalating into a big argument.
How Can You Prioritize Your Relationship?
Remember your bond to each other is more important than any political issue:
- Agree to Disagree: Accept that you probably won't change each other's minds so respect each other's rights to have different views and choose to let certain issues go.
- Make a Decision About What Matters More: What has a higher priority: Your political views or your relationship? Couples who choose to prioritize their relationship tend to navigate these differences more effectively.
- Engage in Shared Activities: By focusing on shared hobbies and your goals and dreams, you can reinforce the connection that brought you together in the first place.
What Can You Do If Political Differences Are a Persistent Cause of Stress?
- Consider attending couples therapy as a neutral place where you can learn to navigate your differences in a healthy way.
- Couples therapy can help you to develop effective ways of communicating so you can resolve conflict and strengthen your relationship.
About Me
I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT (for couples), Somatic Experiencing and Certified Sex Therapist.
I work with individual adults and couples and I have helped many clients to navigate their differences so they can have a more meaningful relatonship.
To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.
To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.