Successfully Navigating Opposing Political Views

Our Community is in no way alone in its challenges regarding the upcoming election. We’re not alone, you’re not alone. Here are just a few thoughts regarding how to navigate these important differences with our friends and neighbors:

• Conflict and opposing viewpoints on politics and your political choices are inevitable in relationships and amongst neighbors.
• When emotions run high, miscommunications and aggressive and passive-aggressive communication can abound.

Remember we all live together: A big concern is what's happened and what has been happening to the social fabric. Can we come together on anything? Can we be respectful? Can we be civil? There are friendships breaking up. There are marriages breaking up over this. So, what are the skills and the attitudes we need to be able to be together as citizens across our differences?

Discussing politics with people you know have different views and steadfast opinions about them can feel treacherous, like walking barefoot in a room full of mousetraps. But as much as we may want to avoid conflict, sometimes it’s inevitable. Ironically, conflict presents an opportunity to learn more deeply about another’s point of view. This is where emotional intelligence comes in. Reflective listening is a foundational component of emotional intelligence that aims to understand another’s perspective, even if it differs from your own. Just as you want to be heard and understood, so too does the other person.

Reflective listening can support you in more effectively having challenges conversations and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and a heated exchange.

It is imperative that people feel safe in their own homes and in their (respectful) opinions. Let’s all continue being great neighbors and navigate the final weeks of this Election cycle with dignity and kindness, in addition to conviction.

Housekeeping Reminder:

Please remember to remove any political signs from your property by November 19th and do NOT place any in common areas.

The removal or defacing of legally placed, privately owned political signs is against the law: California Penal Code Section 488 makes this a petty theft misdemeanor.

"Disagreeing, the expression of a different idea or viewpoint, done well, is an act of generosity."

Have a Great Weekend!

Lisa Burr, CMCA, AMS