Did Your Vote Damage Your Relationships?
Here’s how to avoid it
My friend, Kari, is already dreading the holidays. It’s not due to the stress of picking out the perfect gifts. It’s not the extra spending. It’s not even the 10 pounds she gains every year from eating fudge — her personal Kriptonite. Instead, it’s because of politics.
“It’s going to be a nightmare,” she groaned. “My dad believes the last presidential election was stolen and can’t get over it. My sister is pro-life and my sister-in-law works at Planned Parenthood. Since retirement, Mom volunteers at the local shelter and my brother doesn’t believe anyone should get handouts. He thinks everyone struggling is on drugs and should just get a job. Every year, the bickering gets worse. I just can’t take it anymore.”
Kari isn’t alone. According to a recent Siena College-The New York Times poll, 19% of registered voters said differing views on politics have damaged their relationships with friends and family.
In an article in Psychology Today, Stephen J. Betchen, D.S.W., gives four pieces of advice to those who are trying to keep their loved ones close in these turbulent political times.
Calm Down
Everyone is entitled to an option and not everyone is going to agree. Keep your voice level and don’t get riled. Don’t…
