Your friendly Kos blogger Shrink's take on surviving holidays with Neo Con Loved Ones.
Some of us will spending some time over the
holidays with friends and family of a neo
conservative orientation. I say Neo conservative
as those are the Bush base. I hesitate to say
Republicans because I have family members who
were Republicans for Kerry and cannot stand
Bush. I also know some Republicans who criticize
this war and also the policies of the Bush administration. Then there are those Republicans
who voted for Bush but were not enthusiastic
about it. I am not referring to those in this post, but the Neo Cons who are avid Bush supporters or
at the very least, discriminate against liberals
and are talk radio fans of Rush or Hannity.
1. I have found it best to set a good example
by being calm, rational, and peaceful if neo conservatives insist on discussing politics despite our best efforts to distract them from such discussions.Imitating their anger and wrath
only sets us up for stress and disappointment.
2. I try to stay clear on holidays from discussing
politics or religion. Even small talk which can get on my nerves is less stressful and volatile than discussing politics with neo conservatives on what is to be a joyous occasion like Hanukah, Christmas or New Years.
3. There is a REASON we are with these neo conservatives and it certainly IS NOT because we have Politics, Philosophy, Religion, or Values that bind us together. Concentrate on what you have in common with these neo conservatives. Are you family, then there is that bond, those memories, that love, that draws you together despite philosophical differences. It might be a dear friend who sadly is a neo con Bushite but whom you still love. Concentrate on what you have in common.
4. Before getting into a heated discussion, consider changing the subject, leaving the room, finding an excuse to use the bathroom, or go outdoors for a walk, anything to keep the anger from escalating. Decide before getting into a volatile discussion if it is worth it to participate in a ruckus , brouhaha, melee, and hurt ourselves and others in the process.
Sometimes we can agree to disagree in order to save the relationship. If the Neo Con though continues despite your best efforts to shut him down, be blunt in saying you refuse to discuss this on a holiday and delay the discussion. You will look like the more mature, reasonable
adult in the long run.
^^^^ Lastly, relax and take a deep breath and remember that No one has power over your feelings, your values, your principles, they belong to you.