If you or your partner feel passionately about a political issue, political discussions can turn into heated debates.Even though you disagree politically, you don't have to leave the conversation with hurt feelings.Approaching a political conversation with your partner requires a careful approach and an open mind.Don't be mean, listen, and enjoy a respectful and rewarding debate.
Step 1: Politics should be discussed.
Some people feel dishonest if they don't discuss politics, because politics are always on the tip of their tongue.If you and your partner decide to discuss politics, make sure you both approach the discussion with the same open mindset, and that you feel comfortable communicating with one another.
Step 2: If you think politics could lead to a lot of trouble, don't talk about it.
You might want to rethink if you fear a political conversation will lead to strong and painful differences between you and your partner.If done right, avoiding a political conversation is not a bad thing.Privacy can be good for a relationship.The things you have in common are what you should focus on.Politics can be discussed with friends and family.
Step 3: The discussion should start with a goal in mind.
Before you start, think about why you are having the conversation.What types of positive results do you want to see?Knowing what you want out of the discussion and being on the same page can help prevent hurt feelings.If you have a goal for the conversation, make sure you share it with your partner.It can lead to confusion and frustration if you keep a goal to yourself.
Step 4: Make your debating styles compatible.
There is a chance that your debating style is wildly different from your partner's.Ask your partner if they could avoid doing things that make you frustrated or uncomfortable if you focus on those things.Do you want them to know if anything you do frustrates them?Would your partner prefer to sit or stand in a debate, and do you have a tendency to stand?Try to find something that works for both of you.If you ask your partner to change a habit, make sure it's cool and level.
Step 5: Listen to your partner.
It is important to listen to what the other person is saying in a political debate.Take a moment to think of your response after listening to your partner's complete point.It's always best to approach a debate with a calm mind and friendly air.Ask your partner if you can stop the conversation and write your thoughts down.When you are ready to speak, come back to this point.
Step 6: There is a line between a debate and a personal attack.
Even if you disagree with your partner, stay calm and civil.If you feel like you're getting heated, take a deep breath and ask for a break.Remember to always respect your partner, even if they disagree with you.Phrases like "Do you actually support" or "I can't believe you think" move the debate away from a rational discussion and into a personal attack.Set up a safe word so your partner knows when to back off.
Step 7: Learning is more important than winning.
Remember that a political discussion or argument between you and your partner should be about growth, not about beating the other person.If you respect each other's position, having a different viewpoint from your partner is perfectly healthy.If your partner is saying something you don't agree with, nod and listen to show you're paying attention.
Step 8: Put yourself in your partner's shoes.
If you disagree with your partner, try to understand why they think the way they do.It will improve your listening skills, but it will also help keep your conversations rational.
Step 9: You should stick to your facts.
Facts help keep an argument centered on logic.If your partner gives you facts you have never heard before, ask to research them together.You probably don't know everything about the subject because there is a lot of information.
Step 10: You can find common ground.
You can use common ground to discuss things you and your partner don't agree on.Remember that even though you and your partner may disagree on some things, you agree on others.
Step 11: Don't give up, stay positive.
One person losing their head can heighten the tension in a conversation.If you maintain your optimism and respect for one another, you can get through this difficult conversation, even if it is difficult for you and your partner.
Step 12: The subject should be changed.
Try talking about something else if you and your partner are frustrated.If you don't think it would be a good idea to talk about politics again, you can come back later.Even if your partner does, you might not want to discuss it.If that feels hard to do in the moment, listen to their needs and agree to respect them.
Step 13: Agree to disagree
Sometimes, you and your partner need to acknowledge that both of you have valid opinions and that neither person is going to change their mind.You might have to agree that you don't agree at the end of the day.Pick another topic to discuss, whether it is political or not.It is better to move on than to talk about the same thing over and over.If you or your partner are not happy with having to agree to disagree, return the argument at a later date.
Step 14: Accept that you can not change your partner.
Political opinions are often motivated by inner values, and every individual must do what is right for them.Your partner might never agree with your argument, no matter how logical it seems to you.Remember that your partner is not maintaining their political opinion in order to hurt you.
Step 15: Discuss politics in a healthy way with your partner.
If your political debates aren't going well and neither you nor your partner are getting a positive experience, consider changing the subject to something you can debate about.Opposites can attract each other.Political disagreements between you and your partner can be good for your relationship.
Step 16: Politics should be removed from the political debate.
If you and your partner are struggling to debate but still want to discuss the issues, consider making your conversations a political one.Instead of talking about educational reform, talk about education as a whole.Your personal financial stability and growth should be the focus of the tax discussion.