Have you polled on how to deal with politics with your loved ones this holiday season?
As the country is divided over the current election, so are many couples and families. And the heat of debate is likely to continue even after November 5.
After all, Americans today can’t tolerate a partner who doesn’t check off the same name on the ballot as they do.
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Only about 23 percent of couples have affiliations with different political parties, and less than 8 percent of couples are composed of one Democrat and one Republican, According to a study recently published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,
However, while most couples seem united in their political beliefs, that doesn’t mean there’s likely to be unity among their family and friends as well.
That’s why Wedding dates of bride and groom around upcoming elections Have set some rules – for example, no alcohol – or managed your expectations for how and what guests will celebrate at your gatherings.
But the discomfort that arises from political disagreements with loved ones may run deeper than the issue being debated.
“Within relationships, dissatisfaction with the election outcome can reflect or exacerbate disagreements between couples and families,” says relationship expert Rita Watson. Told Psychology Today.
This is especially timely as we gather with each generation of loved ones — or avoid gathering — during the holiday season.
About 22% of travelers expect politics to trigger family feuds during holidays this year, According to a recent survey By tourism market research firm Future Partners.
Those who have recently come off the children’s table are the most nervous.
About 38% of Gen Z and 29% of millennial travelers are concerned about table talk, while baby boomers are only 11%.
Some people have even gone to the extent of canceling their festive family gatherings.
Chirag Panchal, founder of luxury travel agency Ensuite Collection, shared that he has a client who usually gathers family from across the country to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner.
“But this year is different,” he said told NBC News,
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Some tough political conversations led the kids to express their concerns about bringing everyone together – so they wouldn’t do it.
“They have canceled going anywhere as a family,” Panchal said.
To help people get through this stressful time with their loved ones, Watson shared some tips to save your relationship after a heated political debate.
- Identify the problem or conflict.
- Assess the pros and cons of your feelings about the conflict.
- Set aside your differences and recognize what you have in common.
- Review the reasons you are grateful for your partner, friends, or family.
- Focus on love and gratitude.
- Consider how you can make peace with the outcome of a situation, even an election, if it is not what you wanted.
- Ask yourself if there is a compromise; That is, a way to make yourself and others happy without compromising your values.
