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As people across the UK prepare to vote in the July 4 general election, political discussions are likely to be heating up in the country’s homes.
But it’s not always easy to have conversations about who you plan to vote for and why when you live in a house divided between parties.
Luckily, relationship expert and founder of dating app Wingman, Tina Wilson, has revealed her ultimate survival guide for divided families on who should win the general election.
Speaking to FEMAIL, she shared the do’s and don’ts of talking about politics at home when everyone in the household has different political beliefs.
Her advice includes setting ground rules for conversations, avoiding watching the news together, and using humor to diffuse any tension.
Labor Party leader Sir Keir Starmer during Sunak v Starmer: The ITV debate on Tuesday
ESTABLISH GROUND RULES FOR DISCUSSIONS
“If you marry someone with different political beliefs than yours and you both talk openly about your alliances, it will be a miracle if you haven’t already fought,” she admitted. tub.
‘If you debate politics, do it when you’re at home so you don’t end up in a full-scale fight in front of friends and family.
‘However, it would be prudent to set boundaries and guidelines for how conversations will proceed. Agree on topics to avoid, set time limits, and decide on a “break” signal if things get too heated.
‘This helps keep the conversation respectful. If necessary, organize a specific family meeting to establish these ground rules, making sure everyone agrees and feels comfortable with them.’
SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Tina revealed that if a discussion about politics at home becomes “too intense,” it’s “perfectly acceptable to walk away and come back to the conversation later.”
“This helps you avoid saying things in the heat of the moment that you might regret,” the Wingman founder explained.
‘Establish a familiar time-out cue, such as a specific word or gesture that indicates the need to want to leave the conversation.
‘To really clear your head, spend some time away from home. A good tip would be to plan a fun trip with a friend or even enjoy an outing on your own. This change of scenery may be just what you need to clear your head before heading home.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during Sunak v Starmer: The ITV debate on Tuesday
AVOID WATCHING THE NEWS TOGETHER
“If things heat up quickly, it’s wise not to sit and watch the news together,” the relationship expert urged.
‘Look for other programs to see that divert the conversation. If you watch the news, don’t get angry at the TV and if you discuss the news with each other, try to focus on ideas and policies rather than personal attacks.’
USE HUMOR TO DIFFUSE TENSIONS
“Humor, when used intelligently, can lighten the mood and relieve any tension,” Tina insisted in her ultimate survival guide for families divided on who should win the general election.
‘A well-placed joke or light-hearted comment can help diffuse a potentially explosive dispute at home.
“Share a fun, non-political story or memory to break the ice and bring a different atmosphere to the conversation.”
FOCUS ON YOUR SHARED VALUES
Tina urged family members to find common ground in this general election by “emphasizing shared values and interests over things they disagree on.”
“Focusing on common areas can bridge the gap and remind all members of the family unit that, despite different political views, they share fundamental beliefs and have each other’s best interests at heart, even if they disagree.” in everything,” said the expert. .
“Try to create a list of values and goals that all family members agree on, and refer to this list if necessary during your political discussions.”
LISTEN AND DON’T YELL AT EACH OTHER
“Couples can have different opinions and still be very happy together as long as you give your partner a chance to say what they believe without yelling at them or telling them where ‘their’ party went wrong,” Tina said.
Relationship expert and founder of dating app Wingman, Tina Wilson (pictured), has revealed her ultimate survival guide for families divided on who should win the general election.
‘Avoid shutting down or refusing to speak, whether intentionally or not. Ignoring or avoiding the person you disagree with doesn’t solve anything and can cause more problems.
‘Instead, be the adult and let each person feel heard by actively listening. This means focusing, understanding, and responding respectfully to what your family member says, rather than simply waiting your turn to speak or, worse yet, walking away.
‘Do not put up barriers, as it will cause more division and tension. If emotions are running high, take a break and revisit the conversation later, when you’ve both had a chance to calm down and think.’
GET A FRIEND TO HELP YOU MEDITATE
“Sometimes turning to a neutral third party, such as a family friend, can help mediate and facilitate more constructive conversations if things get too difficult,” the expert explained.
‘A friend can bring a new approach and help mediate tensions with families or between a couple, as they know us better than anyone else.
‘But if political discussions constantly lead to conflict at home, then definitely talk to a friend who can offer unbiased advice and also help smooth out conflicts.
‘Using a mediator helps show that everyone’s opinions are important and deserve to be heard. This can help create a more respectful and understanding environment at home.”
REMEMBER IT’S OK TO ACCEPT NOT AGREE
“Above all, remember to recognize that it’s okay to have different opinions, everyone is different,” Tina said.
‘Agree to disagree and talk about the things you have in common. Respect each other’s points of view and just move on.
‘End discussions amicably and focus on the common points you share, rather than the differences.
‘Accept the idea that not all disagreements need to be resolved. By agreeing to disagree, you will feel valued and respected by each other at home, which is really important in your own home.’