Not all advice need be professional.
Luckily for you, Im that guy.
Welcome back to Tough Love.
Note: Im a columnist, not a therapist or certified healthcare professional.
My advice should be interpreted with that in mind.
If you have a problem with anything I say,file a complaint here.Now, let us begin.
Dear Sam,
So, my longtime partner identifies as Republican.
Not MAGA-wearing, capitol-marching, Qanon-embracing, Trump-loving, but just a Republican.
Theyre not going to change my mind, and I wont change theirs.
Hes not mad at mehes mad at a part of the rest of the world.
But he is very stubborn, and thats what has me worried.
Even though we live in hyper-factionalized, polarized times, this is an issue as old as politics.
To use a cringingly cliched phrase from politics, I think you better examine this situation from both sides.
Or is he just being challenged on his beliefs by friends who disagree?
Or do they plug their ears every time he speaks?
Then theres two other options.
Some neutral perspective on how to handle the situation can be hugely beneficial.
Also, heres another one: Continue to limit how much you talk about politics with friends.
Focus on what matters most to you guys, and understandas you previously statedyoure unlikely to change anyones mind.
Thats it for this week, but theres plenty more Tough Love to go around.
Until next time, take care of yourselves!
