Irene McCready is the owner Of McCready Counselling. She holds two undergraduate degrees, a master’s degree in social work and is Registered with the BC, Alberta and Ontario College of Social Workers. Many WiFi HiFi readers are navigating strained relations with suppliers and with U.S. / Canadian partners, worrying how tariffs will impact supply chains and future sales, while also voicing opinions that may not be shared collectively among their peers or even family members. We reached out to McCready to ask for some perspective on how to maintain a cordial work and family balance, when everyone these days, has a differing opinion.
How to Keep the Peace When Politics Gets Personal
By Irene McCready
Ah, politics. It’s the thing that seems to pop up in every conversation, from the dinner table to the coffee shop, and sometimes even in the sunniest of relationships. But what do you do when you find yourself on opposite sides of the political spectrum from someone you care about? Whether it’s family, a close friend, or even a romantic partner, the love is there, but so are the differing views.
First off, let’s just take a deep breath and remember that we’re all human, walking this Earth with our own unique set of experiences and values. And sometimes, those experiences shape our political beliefs in ways that are deeply personal. So, instead of diving headfirst into a heated debate, let’s try to approach these moments with a little more openness, a lot of compassion, and some space for growth. Here’s how:
Be Present, Not Defensive
When the conversation turns political, it’s easy to slip into the “I’m right, you’re wrong” mindset. But relationships thrive when we listen, not just to reply, but to understand. Be present in the conversation, let your loved one share their perspective, and hold space for their feelings without the immediate need to prove your point.
It’s like when you’re meditating—sometimes the best thing you can do is just sit with the discomfort. There’s beauty in allowing someone to feel heard, even if you don’t agree with them.
Focus on What Unites, Not What Divides
While we can’t always agree on policies or ideologies, there’s likely a lot we do agree on. Love for family, a desire for peace, hope for a better future—these are universal desires that can help ground the conversation. Shift the focus to what connects you: the common goals and values that bind you, rather than what drives you apart.
Sometimes, it’s helpful to remind ourselves that we’re all just trying to navigate this world in the best way we know how.
Agree to Disagree (and Respect It)
Here’s a simple mantra: It’s okay to not agree. In fact, it’s normal. Healthy relationships don’t require you to be on the same page about everything. What matters is how you respect each other’s differences, how you hold space for the complexity of each other’s views. If you find that the conversation is going in circles, give each other permission to step back and agree to disagree. You don’t need to change each other’s minds—just honor that your views are different and that’s perfectly okay.
Set Boundaries if Needed
It’s important to know your limits. If certain topics consistently bring up tension or resentment, it might be time to set some boundaries. Maybe you agree not to talk politics when you’re together, or perhaps you need to be mindful of the context in which you have these discussions. Trust your intuition—if a conversation is starting to feel draining or overly emotional, take a pause and come back to it when both of you are in a calmer headspace. Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re ways to protect your peace and your connection.
Don’t Take It Personally
At the end of the day, political beliefs don’t define the entire person. Try to detach the individual from the ideology. Just because someone votes differently doesn’t mean they don’t love or respect you. The person you care about isn’t defined by their political views—they are so much more than that. So, when disagreements arise, remember it’s not a reflection of your relationship, but a difference of perspective. Keep that heart-centered space open, and don’t let the politics pull you apart.
Love First, Politics Later
When in doubt, remember this: love always comes first. You can disagree on policies, candidates, or issues, but what matters most is the bond you share. Nurture that connection with kindness, empathy, and a lot of patience. Keep the space for vulnerability and understanding wide open. We can change the world, one loving conversation at a time. Peace, love, and open-mindedness—let those be the true foundations of our relationships.
Irene McCready can be reached at [email protected]