Politics has been the talk of the nation since the filing of candidacy started. A lot of drama was circulating over social media and of course, I'm not surprised. I just don't get why people are treating the aspiring candidates as idols when in fact we should treat them like job applicants.
So what if couples fight over politics? What if you don't campaign for the same candidate? Will this ruin your relationship? What if you are living in a multi-colored household? I believe some relationships get so affected by politics reaching the point of splitting up. That's how influential politics is to them.
Some would even specify their standards for dating a person and one requirement is that you should share the same campaign for a candidate. Relationships should have a good weight of understanding but aren't respect and compromise matter too?
If politics have consumed your relationship already and seems like it's controlling it, here are the guidelines to remind yourselves that your relationship with each other is bigger than the topic you are both dwelling into:
Affirm that politics is not a deal-breaker.
What does this mean? It means that even if you have different political preferences, you should not let politics ruin your relationship. It's about respecting each other's choices.
Some people are so passionate about campaigning their candidate without them knowing they have crossed the line attacking the other person. That's not good. I understand how passionate other people are to campaign but attacking just to provide your points should never be an option.
Some would even unfriend their friends just because they don't support the same candidate. They can afford to cut ties because of politics. I don't think it's worth it. Your relationship with each other is more important.
Acknowledge that your partner will just have a little chance of changing his/her mind.
Good communication is the key to a healthy relationship and so is politics, I believe. When you discuss openly, it gives you the chance to hear each side and the reasons why you choose that candidate.
However, if the discussion is just to prove your side and it becomes a heated argument, that is no longer healthy. When you provide articles and pieces of evidence to prove the other and convince him/her, the higher the chances of them resisting and sticking to their choices.
It's also about how you present your candidate to the other person. The tone is a vital point of consideration when you look at the crucial parts of the discussion. If you find the other raising his/her voice then expect a chaotic discussion all along.
Agree that both of you share the same values and vision for the country.
You may have not chosen the same candidate but I firmly believe that both of you have the same goals and vision which is for the betterment of the country. The only thing that differs is that you choose different vehicles.
It's the vehicle that you disagree with but you share the same path towards progress. However, it now depends on the candidate whether they keep their promises or just let the people down again. You know we are all tired of that. I just want to travel overseas, to be honest. I'm tired of this manipulative country.
Curiosity is better than criticism.
Politics is something that offers a lot of debates and discussions throughout the years. If you have your own opinions for it, it is better to discuss it with each other and be curious why the other person chooses the other candidate.
Oftentimes, when emotions are high, we listen to respond. That's not right. We should listen to understand.
So I believe that the main cause of arguments in the house because of politics is the loss of respect. Tension and awkwardness will always be there but at the end of the day, it is about how you handle the situations.
Again, choosing the right candidate is like hiring the right person for a specific job. We should check his/her credentials if they have are qualified for that position. Why would you trust an engineer for your heart surgery if he's not made to do that right?
It is advisable to do a background check too. Check if they have a criminal record and see how big of an influence it will be for the candidacy.
Lastly, values formation. How does this candidate treat people? Is he/she open to hearing the people's sentiments? Is he/she trustworthy? Is he/she compassionate?
I hope these guidelines were able to shed light on your decision-making to politics. Attacking a person is not really necessary just to show support for your chosen candidate.
Thanks for reading.
Keep safe everyone!
Sa dami ng problema idagdag mo pa pulitika hehe. Sa amin kasi walang masyadon discussion regarding politics.