It can be difficult to be in family situations when your relatives believe differently than you. Whether it’s politics, religion, social issues, etc. I think as millennials, it can be hard to talk about these subjects because we’re forming our own ideas and opinions about these subjects. However, don’t let yourself get caught up in arguments.
For example, several of my extended family members are Trump supporters. I personally don’t agree with Trump’s views and opinions and I don’t like the fact that he’s our president, but a lot of family members think that he’ll do the world some good while he’s in office. This is a really prevalent issue right now because it’s such a recent even that’s happened.
My aunt said a few things regarding Trump and making fun of people who feel the need to have a safe place. She had asked me about my political views and even though I was going to reply with no comment, my mom went ahead and told her that I don’t like Trump. I knew that this was probably a bad idea and I was cursing my mother in my head for saying something. However, I was quickly able to shut it down by saying that I don’t really like talking about politics. Surprisingly, I was able to get by with it.
Of course, these arguments have always happened in my family. Me and all of my cousins are more liberal and left wing, even though I’d say I’m independent leaning left. Most of older family members are far right. The problem is this idea that political talk has to all be arguments. I know I mention my sociology class all the time, but my professor says that there’s a difference between discussing and arguing. Discussing is fine because then you’re talking about your opinions in a nice and calm manner rather than screaming at one another in disagreement. More of us need to learn to respect one another in our opinions and if we have a really big problem with something then tell them we don’t feel comfortable discussing it.
Family get together do not need to be hostile. These are the times when you should feel closest to the people you love, not torn apart because of differences in opinions. Learn how to discuss and how not to argue and remember not everyone believes the same things that you do.
