Make it clear thathonesty and vulnerabilityare your priorities.

This is true for friends, family, and romantic partners.

However, research has also suggested that some relationships are resilient to many stressors, including opposing politics.

Young couple sitting on couch

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Chlipala suggests couples spend timetrying to understandthe other person’s point of view.

However, that does not mean that you gotta agree with them.

“Sometimes people think theyre farther apart than they really are,” says Chlipala.

“Through conversations, talk about your values and how your political view influences your day-to-day life.”

See if you’re free to find some middle ground, too.

Having different political views wont necessarily affect your relationship or day-to-day life.

According to Pew Research, most Americans are fine with people in their family having different political views.

Make note if youre constantly criticizing your partner or vice versa.

double-check you’re honest with your partner, even if you feel like they wont accept what youre saying.

First, find a place to talk where you both feel safe and at ease.

Then, see to it you choose a time when youre both in the right headspace.

you’ve got the option to set some rules and boundaries about talking politics.

Going to therapy with your partner gives you a neutral, safe space to talk.

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Murray E.How differences in political ideology impact close relationships.

Undergraduate Honors Theses, Theses, Dissertations, & Master Projects.

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Pew Research Center.Political polarization and personal life.

Huber GA, Malhotra N.Political homophily in social relationships: Evidence from online dating behavior.

UVA.How politics drive our personal relationships and even where we live.

Hobbs R.A most mischievous word: Neil Postmans approach to propaganda education.Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review.

American Psychological Association; 2020.

APA.Why we fall for fake news: Hijacked thinking or laziness?.