Political Alienation

Politics or other issues can be divisive!

Discussing politics with some friends or family tends to get complicated. When you come in contact with people from the “other side,” your anxiety increases.

They can’t seem to let go of the fact that you have a different opinion, or you can’t let go of the fact that they have a different view.

Such conversations can bring anxiety on both sides and create a disconnection between people who share many things.

Those conflicts can create isolation from family and friends, creating feelings of being alone and apart from those you love. It feels like no one understands your point of view. You don’t know with whom you feel safe being open about your traditional values.

Division leads to no communication.

Sometimes, others consider you to be a bad person because you do not believe the way they do.

There have been arguments on social media or events, and now, they barely talk to you anymore. They may have taken you off their social media sites.

Any chance of expressing your point of view and your concern for connection becomes impossible to achieve.

What to do?

Your jaw tenses as you think of how you should respond. At this point, feelings on both sides are so intense.

“Why does it have to be this way? Why can’t they let it go?” Your values are important to you and worth taking a stand for, but you don’t want to lose the relationship.

You don’t know how to navigate these relationships anymore. It’s easier to avoid them altogether.

Let’s get through this!

Some of your feelings reflect the sign of the times, especially when discussing political differences. During these times, it’s best to consider the values and personal experiences you share. These are the values that brought you together in the first place.

Political alienation can divide families and friends, and everyone loses. When it feels like no one understands or there is no one you can talk to about how you think, I am here to help.

I understand how you feel. Even in my family, not everyone holds the same view about “hot-button” issues. Opening up a reasonable conversation can help clear the air during disagreements. You can start by having a conversation with me.

I can walk with you while you navigate these complicated relationships. There is time to mend; as you recover, you will grow stronger and learn to manage the ups and downs of others’ opinions.