The ultimate survival guide for families split over who should win the general election: Relationship expert reveals the dos and don'ts of discussing politics in a divided home
As people across the UK prepare to case their vote in the General Election on July 4, political discussions are likely heating up in the nation's households.
But it's not always easy to navigate conversations about who you plan to vote for and why when you live in a home that is split between parties.
Thankfully, relationship expert and dating app Wingman founder Tina Wilson has revealed her ultimate survival guide for families divided over who should win the general election.
Speaking to FEMAIL, she shared the dos and don'ts of discussing politics at home when the members of the household all have different political beliefs.
Her advice includes setting ground rules for the conversations, avoiding watching the news together and using humour to diffuse any tensions.
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer during the Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate on Tuesday
SET GROUND RULES FOR DISCUSSIONS
'If you married someone with different political beliefs to you and you are both outspoken about your alliances it will be a miracle if you haven’t fallen out already,' admitted Tina.
'If you do debate politics, keep it to when you are at home so you don’t end up in a full scale row in front of friends and family.
'It might be wise though to establish boundaries and guidelines for how the conversations will unfold. Agree on topics to avoid, set time limits, and decide on a "pause" signal if things get too heated.
'This helps keep the conversation respectful. If you must, hold a dedicated family meeting to set these ground rules, ensuring everyone agrees and feels comfortable with them.'
SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Tina revealed how if a discussion about politics at home becomes 'too intense', it's 'perfectly acceptable to step away and come back to the conversation later'.
'This helps prevent saying things in the heat of the moment that you might regret,' explained the Wingman Founder.
'Establish a family signal for taking a timeout, such as a specific word or gesture that indicates the need for wanting to remove yourself from the conversation.
'To really clear your mind, spend some time outside the household. A good tip would be to plan a fun trip with a friend or even enjoy an outing on your own. This change of scenery can be just what you need to clear your head before you go home.'
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate on Tuesday
AVOID WATCHING THE NEWS TOGETHER
'If things can get heated quickly, it's wise not to sit and watch the news together,' urged the relationship expert.
'Find other programmes to watch that divert the conversation. If you do watch the news don't get angry at the TV and if you discuss the news with one another try and keep the focus on ideas and policies rather than any personal attacks.'
USE HUMOUR TO DIFFUSE TENSIONS
'Humour, when used smartly, can lighten the mood and ease any tensions,' insisted Tina in her ultimate survival guide for families split over who should win the general election.
'A well-placed joke or a light-hearted comment can help diffuse a potentially explosive row at home.
'Share a funny, non-political story or memory to break the ice and bring a different atmosphere to the conversation.'
FOCUS ON YOUR SHARED VALUES
Tina urged family members to find their common ground this general election by 'emphasising your shared values and interests over the things that you don't agree on'.
'Focusing on your common areas can bridge the gap and remind everyone in the family unit that despite differing political opinions, you share fundamental beliefs and have each other's best interests at heart, even if you don't agree on everything,' said the expert.
'Try and create a list of values and goals that everyone in the family sees eye-to-eye on, and refer to this list if you need to during your political discussions.'
LISTEN AND DON’T SHOUT EACH OTHER DOWN
'Couples can have differing opinions and still be very happy together as long as you allow your partner the opportunity to say what they believe without shouting them down or telling them where "their" party has gone wrong,' said Tina.
Relationship expert and dating app Wingman founder Tina Wilson (pictured) has revealed her ultimate survival guide for families divided over who should win the general election
'Avoid shutting down or refusing to talk, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Ignoring or avoiding the person you disagree with does not resolve anything and can cause more problems.
'Instead be the grown up one and let each person feel heard by actively listening. This means concentrating, understanding, and responding respectfully to what your family member is saying, rather than just waiting for your turn to speak or worse, walking off.
'Don't put up a barrier as it will cause more divide and tension. If emotions run high, take a break and revisit the conversation later on when you've both had a chance to calm down and think.'
GET A FRIEND TO HELP MEDIATE
'Sometimes, turning to a neutral third party, such as a family friend, can help mediate and facilitate more constructive conversations if things are getting too much,' explained the expert.
'A friend can provide a fresh approach and help mediate the tensions with families or between a couple, as they know us better than anyone.
'But if political discussions are consistently leading to conflict at home, then definitely talk to a friend who can offer impartial advice and also help smooth over conflicts.
'Using a mediator helps show that everyone's opinions are important and deserve to be heard. This can help create a more respectful and understanding environment at home.'
REMEMBER IT'S OK TO AGREE TO DISAGREE
'Above all remember to recognise that it’s okay to have different opinions, everyone is different,' said Tina.
'Agree to disagree and talk about things you do have in common. Respect each other's viewpoints and simply move on.
'End discussions amicably and focus on the common ground you share, rather than the differences.
'Embrace the idea that that not every disagreement needs to be resolved. By agreeing to disagree, you will feel valued and respected by each other at home, which is really important when in your own home.'
