Hard Talks
Hello FPA Friends- and happy November! We’ve all just experienced the conclusion of a tumultuous election cycle. However you’re feeling about the outcome, you probably have people in your life who feel differently than you do. I’ve been talking with a lot of people lately about how to talk to their friends and family about their political opinions, especially when the beliefs underlying the opinions are in stark contrast. We want to be able to express ourselves, while we protect the health and the longevity of our most important relationships. Here are some basic suggestions to make your political conversations more productive and less harmful: Time, Place, and Temperature Don’t attempt a conversation when you’re already emotionally escalated, intoxicated, or distracted. Choose a time and a setting to talk when you won’t be rushed, and you have the option to end the conversation should it become unproductive. I highly recommend your conversation take place at least over the phone r...