Spouses should agree on politics...right?
Politics are hot-button topics for many relationships, and marriages are no
exception. Even some of the closest couples disagree on politics. Does this sound
familiar to you?
When you and your spouse are each entrenched in your own political point of view,
it’s going to be challenging to see eye-to-eye. If you’re deeply invested in your
opinion, you’re likely to have scripts that you automatically follow too. You have
talking points of your own–and you likely anticipate your spouse’s.
All in all, reaching an understanding in the midst of a political clash is tough. The
OPTION 1: MOVE BEYOND YOUR SCRIPTS
If you have predetermined talking points, you’ll both need to leave those behind.
Trying repeatedly to convert your spouse to your point of view probably isn’t going
to get you anywhere. Arguing about politics will never be productive for the two of
you, so why continue in a tug-of-war?
Instead, move beyond your talking points and practice actually hearing what your
spouse is saying about their views. Can you better understand where they’re
coming from if you take a walk in their shoes and silence the urge to argue? We
think you can!
OPTION 2: TURN DEBATING INTO A GAME
If you can laugh about your political disagreements, consider turning your debates
into a game. This isn’t going to be possible for every couple, but it could be an
effective approach for some. We believe it’s important to defuse tension in your
relationship, and using humor is essential to doing so.
Rather than fighting, suggest a friendly debate. It’s always possible that someday,
your spouse will see things from your point of view. But until then, consider them a
worthy opponent. Some couples have fun turning their disagreements into friendly
debates, but it’s not for everyone.
OPTION 3: STOP TALKING ABOUT POLITICS
If political disagreements with your spouse are emotional or distressing for you,
maybe you should table the discussion. This is especially true if you think they’re
fundamentally wrong and you feel badly about it. In this case, it’s probably best for
you to agree to disagree.
Rather than focusing on what you don’t agree on, find your commonalities. Maybe
you share the same faith. You might hold many other similar values. If you have
children, you have a common love for them. Identify what knits the two of you
together and focus on those things, rather than the things that make you feel
distant.
KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE
Even if you and your spouse decide to stop talking politics altogether, keep in mind
that understanding what you both feel strongly about can help you feel sharper
and more attuned to one another. When your spouse challenges you to reframe
something they care deeply about, it can be uncomfortable. However, you’ll
ultimately get to know one another on a deeper level.
We believe it’s vitally important for all couples to intentionally create happiness in
their relationships. This is especially true if you disagree on something as hard-
hitting as politics. Check out this book, Making Happy, will guide you toward a more
joyful marriage–the win-win we all need!
Provided by Dr. Les and Leslie Parrot
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