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So I guess I'm really struggling with trying to see how other people make mixed political marriages work (especially since I'm the one that changed some). Also, any thoughts on dealing with my in-laws and my new found political thoughts?
Thanks
By not talking about it, although that may be very hard as your views diverge. But as I see it, you are exercising Christian compassion, which is pretty laudable in my book. Gratuitously, I would add, don't let politics interfere with your own faith. To wit: "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's".
Prior to any get together with the in laws, put together a number of "non political" topics for discussion. I don't mean as in writing them out on the blackboard and handing people cards with "acceptable topics", but for you to do a little research and have some interesting topics ready (climate change, local news, interesting scientific discovery, sports, etc). Then if/when the discussion vears toward murky waters, you introduce your "so how about them Knicks?" line.
You can also do what I've done in the past and say "we don't discuss x in my home" (assuming this takes place in your home)
Of course, some people are just aggressive and disagreeable types no matter what the discussion is about. I know someone like that. Before he would come, we were all forewarned about his manner, and given a "list" of *acceptable * topics. However this one person would rant and rave and play the bkame/conspiracy game about any topic, even seemingly lame topics like *the weather*
Both my husband's family and my family are politically conservative. We're not. They know it.
We rarely discuss politics with them. They tend to be considerate about it as well.
Actually, it makes things easier that they know our beliefs, because everyone prefers to get along with one another rather than fight. If Fox News comes on, we move to another room. If someone gets excited about an issue, we all try to damp it down before it gets divisive.
By being an example of compassion, you may be quietly serving as the best example you can be.
This thing has ruined family relations in a bad way. Please keep those issues at home. Rather than discussing with family. You can't change anyone opinion but you have to respect in every possible way.
Agree to disagree. You don't need to rub your political opinions in each others faces. It is just 2-3 more weeks and the craziness is calming down a lot and politics are easier to ignore.
I guess just be as respectful as possible. Your opinions aren't wrong because they're different.
Another thing is, maybe you can use your faith to bridge some of the gap. In other words, tie your views together with your faith and maybe they'll be less likely to get mad or shut you down.
Ordinarily I would say try to distance religion from politics as much as possible, because a lot of times the two are not relevant to each other, but people often use religion to imbue a political viewpoint with the illusion of moral authority. Or uses a political viewpoint to prop up a religious belief.
But maybe doing that could work to your advantage?
Unless you feel strongly that you would need to defend your position, I'd just smile and nod or redirect when the topic of politics comes up. My mil is extremely religious and very opinionated and loves to talk about her beliefs. I do not share her beliefs at all. I just smile and change the subject when I can. It's worked for us for over 21 years now.
By not talking about it, although that may be very hard as your views diverge. But as I see it, you are exercising Christian compassion, which is pretty laudable in my book. Gratuitously, I would add, don't let politics interfere with your own faith. To wit: "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's".
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