Knowing how to handle political disagreements in the family is not just for those families who have strong opinions about current issues. Sometimes, handling political disputes is the only option if avoiding political topics is off the table.
Because every person is entitled to their own opinion, even the people we love or family members could have a disagreeing view from you.
If you are to attend family gatherings and think political discussions will be inevitable, you must learn how to handle political disagreements in the family.
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For some experts, avoiding political matters altogether is one of the best options. You may do this by telling the person who opened a political discussion that you feel strongly about that topic and change the conversation subject.
However, there are other ways that you may rely on doing. Here are some of the ways on how to handle political disagreements in the family:
Stay friendly.
Although you would want to make a sarcastic comeback or an insult, it might be better if you skip doing so. Remember that even your body language should be friendly, which means you should keep it open and relaxed.
Ask questions.
If you are starting to disagree with a family member, feed your curiosity. Try to ask questions to understand better the person you are arguing with during that time.
This way, the person you are talking to will feel that you are willing to understand them. At the same time, you will also be given the chance to know what their point is.
Treat others with respect.
No conversation remains heated when both parties pay respect to each other. From your end, try to be respectful and acknowledge the other person's point. You may do this by saying, "That's a good point."
Speak from experience.
Sometimes, even if you have the best statistics or the facts, people will not hear you. However, sharing your experience or a story that happened might be more compelling. Speaking from the heart can go a long way.
Aim to understand.
When everything else seemed to go chaotic, making your point stand out or acknowledged as correct may no longer make sense. What is best is to aim to understand the people you are talking to, anytime.
Listening to what they have to say and staying humble can be one of the best ways on how to handle political disagreements in the family.
According to clinical psychologist Eileen Kennedy-Moore, Ph.D., political disagreements can be difficult to handle. However, if all goes well, it may not be an impossible matter during family dinners, but it can also be useful in some ways.
Kennedy-Moore notes that handling such disagreements can also be a good example to children who will witness your banter of ideas and beliefs.
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