Support

Dear PoPville – Advice for Dealing with a Family Divided by Politics?


Photo by PoPville flickr user JoshBassettPhotography

Dear PoPville,

Is there therapy for families with differing political views? Don’t laugh – I’m actually serious. Does anyone have sincere advice for how to handle tensions in a family that’s divided on party lines? My situation is this: my mother is a Republican, while my father, siblings, and I are Democrats. Many of us even worked or volunteered for one or both of Obama’s campaigns. Over the years, it’s gotten harder and harder to even have a discussion with my mother about politics. Four years ago, we engaged in spirited discussions in which one or both sides would eventually get angry, but at least we tried to air out the issues. This time around, no matter how hard I try to be calm and respectful, she gets defensive, angry, and shuts down. I have also tried avoiding the topic altogether, but she often brings it up herself, plus it makes me sad to just give up. If we can’t make it work in our family, what hope is there for Congress to talk frankly with one another?

I would love to have lively debates and agree to disagree, but it just feels impossible. If we didn’t get a reprieve from the election cycle, I really feel it might destroy the family. What do I do?

Recent Stories

1201 Half Street, SE courtesy The Bullpen From a press release: “As Spring arrives in the District, The Bullpen, Washington DC’s award-winning outdoor venue is set to reopen with a…

Thanks to Melissa for sending from the the trees near the Natural History Museum. Friends of the White Whale Society is brought to you by the team behind Hawks*** around…

Photo by LaTur Ed. Note: If this was you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. “Dear PoPville, I was perusing books at solid state…

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and…

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning company in the D.C. area, has always operated Monday to Friday. But last month, they asked customers: Would you prefer weekend cleanings? 33% responded “yes.”

That means Well-Paid Maids is now offering weekend cleanings! The goal is to make your life as easy as possible. If your weekday schedule is too hectic or you work from home, this is for you!

Appointments are available to book now with services starting Saturday, March 23. We suspect these time slots will be popular, so don’t wait to schedule!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

Romance Author & Reader Happy (Ever After) Hour

Enjoy drinks with fellow romance loverss.

Confirmed special guests include Andie J. Christopher, Susie Dumond, Laura Hankin, Timothy Janovsky, Thien-Kim Lam, Chip Pons and Sarah Wendell. We’ll have raffles for signed copies and other fun prizes.

The event will feature

×

Subscribe to our mailing list