Silently Seething Susie's Politics - Just Jill, Sole Sister Ramblers

Just Jill is the creation of Jill Cohen Morris. Jill is an avid rambler and mother of two from Toronto, Canada with a remarkable zest for life and a fabulous sense of humor.

Dear Just Jill,

It's everyone's favourite time of the year, getting together with family and friends. Sharing a drink or meal. Sounds perfect right?

Well not so much. Don’t get me wrong I love my family and my friends but we don’t all share the same political views. When I think about it, this is not a holiday issue this happens throughout the year.

I don't know how to get through a dinner without politics coming up and with politics comes arguing!

These differences have put strains on my relationships. I even avoid getting together with certain people I truly like but can’t handle their views. Most of the time I sit there biting my tongue when what I really want to do is scream at the top of my lungs!

How can I engage in conversation with my family and friends without setting off my flight or flight response? What’s a gal to do?

Sincerely,

Silently Seething Susie

Sole Sister Advice & Comments

We have a no politics rule at the holiday table. If someone were to start up, we would remind them in a friendly way.
I just got off the phone with my mum. Part of our conversation was about topics to avoid at the Christmas table this year: politics and the Royal Family.
We have a related Sole Sister JT's Tales from Trail post called Living With Sweet Tea.
Don't talk about politics is a good rule. Understanding where people are coming from and listening without judgment is also a good idea.
I love this NPR interview on this subject.