I Love You, but I Hate Your Politics

I was originally attracted to this book because my husband and I have very different political views so I was curious about what the author would have to say about it. A few chapters in, I thought that it wasn't the book for me because it seemed to be about couples (or friends or family members) that fought about politics and it was threatening their relationship. My husband and I don't fight about our politics so I was having a hard time relating. I kept on reading, though and found it to be very affirming. All of the techniques and strategies that she suggests are sound and are the very ones that my husband and I have found to be successful. If you and your partner (or friend or family member) are having a hard time seeing eye to eye and it's threatening your relationship this is the book for you.

"Emotional connections with your parents, siblings, children, and other close relatives cannot be severed; you can't get a divorce from your family of origin, even if you leave town, or change your name, your religion, or your party affiliation, because these relationships live within us and inform all other intimate bonds for the rest of our lives."

Unfortunately in today's current political climate, I am finding it harder and harder to relate to others that have vastly different political opinions than mine. My brother, who is older than me and lives in a different part of the country, had wildly different political views than I do, and I am always looking for a way to preserve that relationship while still remaining true to myself.

Jeanne Safer has written a helpful and intriguing book on different ways to handle these relationships. While I didn't feel that everything in the book pertained to me or my own situations, I still found it interesting to read about other people's experiences with difference in opinions with people in their own lives. I have not listened to the podcast of the same name, but will definitely give it a listen after reading this book.