{"id":43644,"date":"2024-12-22T13:42:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-22T18:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=43644"},"modified":"2026-02-13T19:05:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T00:05:04","slug":"how-to-manage-political-disagreements-during-the-2024-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/how-to-manage-political-disagreements-during-the-2024-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"How to manage political disagreements during the 2024 holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-43646 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/holidays-and-politics-blog--300x300.png\" alt=\"A family eating a dinner together during the holidays \" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/holidays-and-politics-blog--300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/holidays-and-politics-blog--800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/holidays-and-politics-blog--200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/holidays-and-politics-blog-.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Is it possible to survive holiday gatherings without intense arguments that leave close friends and family members feeling hurt and angry?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes, it is possible if you:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00ef\u201a\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/boundaries\">Set boundaries<\/a> ahead of time\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00ef\u201a\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make curiosity your focus.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00ef\u201a\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seek out common ground<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00ef\u201a\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Show that you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re listening.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00ef\u201a\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be honest but not accusatory.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00ef\u201a\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remain calm.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Politics and close relationships in 2024<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">During the holidays, we spend time with family and friends\u00e2\u20ac\u201cthose we love. Disagreements in close relationships are overcomable\u00e2\u20ac\u201ceven healthy\u00e2\u20ac\u201cbecause they lead to communication, resolution, and trust. That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not how it works anymore in 2024\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s stormy social environment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Research has shown that in countries with severe political polarization, political disagreement can suppress family gatherings, make conflict resolution unlikely, and even lead to estrangement (Kobayashi &amp; Tse).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af\u00e2\u20ac\u00af\u00e2\u20ac\u00af\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A new poll by the American Psychological Association found that the relationships of 1 in 3 Americans have been damaged by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/political-anxiety\">political opinions<\/a>. 30% actively avoid family gatherings with those who don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t share their political beliefs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why do political beliefs cause fights?\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why do we react so emotionally when people don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t support our beliefs? It has to do with our body\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s natural threat response.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Way back in humanity\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s caveman days, our threat response was what kept us alive\u00e2\u20ac\u201coften called the fight, flight, or freeze response. The only problem is, our bodies are terrible at distinguishing between a physical threat and an emotional threat (Dahl).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s say your weird uncle (you know the one) makes an offhand comment about a political figure that completely goes against what you believe to be true. When we think our core beliefs are being threatened, our bodies go into fight, flight, or freeze mode. We do one of three things: Fight back, play dead by going silent, or run away by leaving the room or changing topic (Dahl).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your biology turned your uncle into an enemy to be protected against.\u00e2\u20ac\u00afThe question is, how can you fight biology? What steps can you take to make sure that this year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s holiday family gatherings don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t lead to the conflict and estrangement?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Avoiding political discussions\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It may seem easier to avoid touchy topics completely. Sometimes it can be necessary if you want to make sure the holiday is fun for everyone. \u00e2\u20ac\u00afIt\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not as simple as it seems, though. Research tells us that refusing to participate in these discussions leads to distance and dissatisfaction in the relationship (Palomares and Derman).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>If you choose to avoid, set boundaries ahead of time\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although it can be uncomfortable in the moment, it is important to let people know beforehand that you would like to stay away from political discussions during holiday events. Simply side-stepping or walking away from a conversation without warning will damage your relationship by creating hurt and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/emotion\">emotional<\/a> distance (Cantor).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4 Tips for facing political disagreements in a healthy way<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Focus on curiosity<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before entering into a political discussion, ask yourself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What is my goal here?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Trying to convince someone to see things your way creates a divide where they feel the need to defend against you. People say things they don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really believe when they are put on the defensive.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Instead, go in with a focus on curiosity. Ask questions. What is their opinion? Why do they feel that way? Showing interest in their thoughts has several benefits:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00ef\u201a\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They will feel cared for, which will strengthen your relationship.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00ef\u201a\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You will hear what they truly think instead of their emotional reaction to feeling attacked.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00ef\u201a\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As they are explaining their opinion to you, they are subconsciously re-thinking it. Ironically, not trying to change their mind has the highest odds of actually changing it.\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seek out common ground<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Try to understand where the other person is coming from. There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s always common ground somewhere, even if you can only find it in the shared desire to make the world a better place. Discovering those shared beliefs will bring you closer together.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Show that you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re listening<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Using active listening strategies will help them to know you care about what they have to say, even if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t agree. Lean forward, nod your head, maintain eye contact, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t interrupt, paraphrase what they said, and ask questions. Studies have proven the effectiveness of active listening in making people feel understood (Weger).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be honest but not\u00e2\u20ac\u00afaccusatory<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be honest about your beliefs, but avoid \u00e2\u20ac\u009dthe fact is\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153right and wrong\u00e2\u20ac\u009d statements. Stick with \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I feel,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153my opinion is.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d When you get frustrated, instead of saying, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re making me angry,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You never listen to my opinions,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d say, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153When I hear you say that, I feel frustrated.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d This method helps you to stay true to yourself, while keeping the relationship\u00e2\u20ac\u00af (Harris).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remain calm<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You may discover that your family member or friend\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s\u00e2\u20ac\u00af beliefs are harmful.\u00e2\u20ac\u00af Mindfulness techniques can be a good way to avoid snapping and turning the event into a fight. Below are two you can try.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><b>Just Breathe<\/b>\u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When you feel that adrenaline beginning to buzz through your system and your emotions starting to rise, pause. Take some slow, deep breaths counting to 4 as you breathe in, holding for 7 and breathing out for 8. Research shows that this type of breathing triggers your body\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s relaxation response, which keeps stress in check.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do an inward scan<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check in with yourself. Are you tense anywhere? Is your heartbeat rapid? Name the emotions you are feeling. Observe all these things without labeling them as good or bad. Just noticing will help to calm and center you.\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve got this!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 2024 holidays promise to be especially difficult due to the divisiveness of the recent election. Some of our loved ones can be somewhat\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 *ahem* loud about their opinions. However, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t forget that the holidays are intended to be a time of love, joy, service, and togetherness. Embrace it!\u00e2\u20ac\u00af \u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">References<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">American Psychological Association. (n.d.).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Apa Poll: Future of nation, economy and presidential election top U.S. stressors<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. American Psychological Association. https:\/\/www.apa.org\/news\/press\/releases\/2024\/10\/top-us-stressors\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cantor, C. (2021, September 12).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Start setting boundaries with confidence<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Psychology Today.\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/modern-sex\/202109\/start-setting-boundaries-with-confidence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/modern-sex\/202109\/start-settin<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">g-boundaries-with-confidence<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dahl, C. (2021, November 11).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4 tips for managing family conflict this Thanksgiving<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Psychology Today.\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/healthy-minds\/202111\/4-tips-for-managing-family-conflict-this-thanksgiving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/healthy-minds\/202111\/4-tips-for-<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">managing-family-conflict-this-thanksgiving<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">de Richelieu, A. (n.d.).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Men with Wine Glasses Talking<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. photograph. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/men-with-wine-glasses-talking-4262177\/.\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Harris, M. (2023, July 5).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to survive political conversations over the Holidays<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Psychology Today.\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/letters-from-your-therapist\/202111\/how-to-survive-political-conversations-over-the-holidays\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/letters-from-your-therapist\/2021<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">11\/how-to-survive-political-conversations-over-the-holidays<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kobayashi, T., &amp; Tse, C. H. (2021). How political disagreements undermine intrafamily communication: the case of the anti-extradition bill movement in Hong Kong.\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chinese Journal of Communication<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">15<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(3), 378\u00e2\u20ac\u201c400. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/17544750.2021.1987283<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Michalou, N. (2020).\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Family Celebrating Christmas Dinner While Taking Selfie<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Pexels. photograph. Retrieved November 13, 2024, from<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/family-celebrating-christmas-dinner-while-taking-selfie-5778899\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/family-celebrating-christmas-dinner-while-taking-selfie-5778899\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/family-celebrating-christmas-dinner-while-tak<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing-selfie-5778899\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Palomares, N. A., &amp; Derman, D. (2019). Topic Avoidance, Goal Understanding, and Relational Perceptions: Experimental Evidence. Communication Research, 46(6), 735-756. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0093650216644649Weger, H., Castle Bell, G., Minei, E. M., &amp; Robinson, M. C. (2014). The Relative Effectiveness of Active Listening in Initial Interactions.\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">International Journal of Listening<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00e2\u20ac\u00af<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">28<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(1), 13\u00e2\u20ac\u201c31. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/10904018.2013.813234<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is it possible to survive holiday gatherings without intense arguments that leave close friends and family members feeling hurt and angry?\u00c2\u00a0 Yes, it is possible if you:\u00c2\u00a0 Set boundaries ahead of time\u00e2\u20ac\u00af\u00c2\u00a0 Make curiosity your focus.\u00c2\u00a0 Seek out common ground\u00c2\u00a0 Show that you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re listening.\u00c2\u00a0 Be honest but not accusatory.\u00c2\u00a0 Remain calm.\u00c2\u00a0 Politics and close relationships [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3201,"featured_media":43645,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2263,542,2095,628,1],"tags":[1783,1575,2112,1784],"class_list":["post-43644","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-holiday-topics","category-featured-articles","category-find-therapist","category-general","category-uncategorized","tag-family-and-politics","tag-holiday-family-gatherings","tag-holiday-stress","tag-politics-and-family"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43644","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3201"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43644"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43644\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43645"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43644"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43644"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43644"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}