Navigating Political Differences in Your Relationship: 5 Tools to Support Connection this Election Season

With a presidential election around the corner, it is not uncommon for political differences to create tension in relationships. Whether you are facing disagreements with a partner, friend, or family member, navigating these differences requires patience, empathy, and clear communication. With guidance from both the World Health Organizations six principles of sexual health and the Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Model, we can better manage interpersonal stress and establish loving boundaries.

Let’s Review: The Six Principles of Sexual Health and Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Model

We cannot talk about healthy intimate relationships without integrating Dr. Douglas Braun Harvey’s principles of sexual health– honesty, mutual consent, respect/non-exploitativeness, shared values, safety, and pleasure. These principles can be useful when managing relationships with different political opinions due to their focus on clear communication and solving conflict through connection. Shared values can mean something different to everyone, and it is also important to reflect on its meaning to you and your relationship. For example, is it important to you that your partner shares the same political beliefs as you? What are your boundaries and/or interests regarding political conversations?

The Gottman Sound Relationship House Model shares an emphasis on effective communication while maintaining harmony. The model’s focus on love mapping, turning towards one’s partner during conversations, and sharing fondness and admiration to maintain positivity all support productive conflict resolution. Further, shared meaning is found through common values, ensuring a deep-rooted trust and commitment to each other. Together, the principles of sexual health and the Sound Relationship House model allow partners to navigate political differences while also fostering a resilient, loving, and intimate relationship.

Throughout this blog, strategies and tools to effectively maintain healthy relationships amidst political conversations are reviewed, all through the lens of Dr. Douglas Braun Harvey’s principles of sexual health and the Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Model.

1. Clear and Open Communication

Clear and open communication are absolutely essential when discussing political opinions. When having these conversations, approach conversations with mutual consent and respect in mind. Work to ensure that all parties are willing and eager to engage in the discussion and agree on how to handle disagreements proactively. Be mindful not to force opinions on your partner– work to listen actively to each other’s perspectives. If needed, take a pause to intentionally remind each other that it is okay to disagree and work towards a dialogue where all parties feel heard and respected.

Relevant Principle(s) of Sexual Health: Mutual Consent, Respect, Honesty
Relevant aspect(s) of the Sound Relationship House: Know Each Other’s Worlds, Turn Towards Instead of Away, The Positive Perspective

2. Comfort with and Respect for Boundaries

Being comfortable setting boundaries, paired with respecting the boundaries of your partner, is crucial to maintaining a healthy and sustainable relationship. Respecting boundaries also further enhances mutual consent within an intimate relationship. During high-stress periods like election season, certain topics might become triggering or uncomfortable. If needed, agree to set boundaries with your partner regarding certain topics, settings, or times of political conversations.

Relevant Principle(s) of Sexual Health: Mutual Consent and Respect
Relevant aspect(s) of the Sound Relationship House: Manage Conflict (Accept Your Partner’s Influence and Dialogue about Problems)

3. Practice and Employ Empathy

Empathy is the understanding and sharing of feelings with your partner. Working to see things from their perspective and recognize that their political opinions are deeply rooted in their values and experiences can be essential when managing conflict. This process can also help to learn shared values and experiences, and better understand each other’s worlds. Sharing emotions and perspectives in times of disagreement ultimately builds a deeper emotional connection.

Relevant Principle(s) of Sexual Health: Shared Values, Pleasure/Connection
Relevant aspect(s) of the Sound Relationship House: Build Love Maps, Share Fondness and Admiration, Turn Towards Instead of Away, Manage Conflict, and Create Shared Meaning

4. Prioritize Intimacy

While all arguments can create distance from your partner, political differences can often overshadow intimacy and connection. These topics can trigger strong emotions and elicit deep-rooted values; it is important to be gentle with oneself surrounding beliefs tied to identity and value systems. It is more important than ever to intentionally engage in activities that foster connection to offset the stress of political disagreements. If you have been struggling with this, try to schedule date nights and/or intimate moments with your partner that focus on strengthening your relationship outside of politics. Use this time to reconnect and reaffirm your connection.

Relevant Principle(s) of Sexual Health: Respect, Shared Values, Honesty, and Pleasure/Connection
Relevant aspect(s) of the Sound Relationship House: Build Love Maps, Share Fondness and Admiration, Turn Towards Instead of Away, Create Shared Meaning

5. Individual Stress Management and Coping Skills

Election season can be emotionally, psychologically, and intellectually exhausting. Managing stress effectively is key to maintaining balance and intimacy within your relationship. Now is a great time to start (or continue) prioritizing self-care– exercise, meditate, spend quality time away from politics, whatever brings you joy and peace. During the next few months, it might be helpful to create a specific routine of self-care to maintain effective stress management on a daily basis. By taking care of yourself, you can better avoid disagreements within your intimate relationships.

Relevant Principle(s) of Sexual Health: Pleasure/Connection, Respect
Relevant aspect(s) of the Sound Relationship House: Manage Conflict (Practice Self-Soothing) and Make Life Dreams Come True

Conclusion

Navigating a relationship with different political opinions requires intentional effort, empathy, and a commitment to mutual respect. The combination of Dr. Douglas Braun Harvey’s six principles of sexual health with Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Model provides a comprehensive framework for managing political disagreements in relationships. Together, they offer valuable strategies for maintaining a strong and fulfilling relationship amidst potential political stressors. With patience and commitment, partners can thus navigate political disagreements and potential differences while also fostering a loving and supportive relationship.

If you apply these tools and are still struggling with healthy communication, you might benefit from sex and relationship therapy services. Feel free to reach out to Hey Emma; we are here to support you.