Finding Common Ground: Managing Political Differences in Your Relationship

The political landscape that we’re witnessing today has reached an unprecedented level of polarization. We see these challenges in the news and socially, but they extend well past that and can cross into our intimate relationships.

It’s important in a relationship to share values and beliefs, but still maintain our own identity and uniqueness. When this individuality lies in differing political views, it can create tension that rattles the foundation upon which the relationship is built.

Political differences don’t have to be a dividing factor within the relationship. With intentional effort, you can learn how to find a common ground and maintain the trust, communication, and respect each of you deserves. Here we’ll explore strategies for navigating these differences while keeping the peace.

Understanding the Basis for Political Differences

For the majority of people, political views didn’t appear overnight. They often stem from family upbringing, personal experiences, and ingrained morals and ethics.

One of you may hold your political views based on your family’s small business and history of entrepreneurial pursuits. The other may have political beliefs based on the community where they grew up. Each person has a right to their opinion, and each one is valid.

Gaining an understanding of where this viewpoint comes from can help initiate the conversation and make it more humane. Recognizing that their viewpoint stems from a deeper and more personal place helps to rein in some of that polarization. It’s a first step in recognizing that different viewpoints may still hold shared concerns for safety and prosperity.

It’s also worth acknowledging the role that media, whether news or social media, plays in shaping your perspective. There’s a lot of intense content, as well as misinformation, swirling through our devices 24/7. You and your partner may be consuming information from different sources.

Establishing Conversational Ground Rules

When it comes to your partner, you shouldn’t have off-limits conversation topics. It’s important to be able to navigate discussions about politics along with other sensitive subjects.

Healthy and successful communication requires clear boundaries and established guidelines. If you have differing opinions in a given area, come to a mutual agreement on how you will approach them without allowing tensions to rise.

One approach is to avoid political conversations during dinnertime or in the bedroom. This allows you to keep “safe” spaces where the outside world can’t interfere. Another approach is to initiate a pause if the conversation becomes tense. We all know we’re not the most effective communicators when angry and heated. Taking a step away to take a breath allows you to become calm and collected.

Be an Active Listener

When it comes to differing political views, one of the biggest challenges is hearing the other side. You have your views and probably strongly side with them. This means that you have the possibility of being biased towards them.

Finding common ground with your partner requires you to be open to listening to a different opinion. Approach these conversations with curiosity and an eagerness to learn rather than looking to counter their statements. Ask open-ended questions and allow your partner to express their opinions.

Focus on Shared Values

Having a difference in viewpoints doesn’t mean that you disagree on the bigger picture. As frustrating as it may be to have an opposing point or two, try to shift your focus to the areas that you do agree on. More than likely, you’ll find that you share fundamental values and long-term goals.

Seeking Professional Help

In some instances, political differences can create a rift that requires extra guidance and support. If your attempts at finding a common ground are turning into yelling matches or personal attacks, consider couples counseling as an option.

Therapy offers a neutral, safe space to express your feelings while receiving professional guidance. Together, we can work to improve communication skills and create strategies for overcoming these differences. Contact us today to get started.