Family Health
Divorce Attorney Offers Healthy Tips to Couples of Differing Political Views on Getting Through the Next 30 Days
By
Oct 3, 2008 - 5:07:34 PM

Points out how to disagree without causing a relationship rift

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - LOS ANGELES, -- Stacy D. Phillips, celebrity divorce attorney, says that many personal relationships suffer during political races when couples hang on ferociously to their political views and they differ from those of their mate's. This year's run for the White House will be more contentious than ever, she says. "No couple has to ruin his or her relationship or cause a permanent rift just because they are polarized on candidate choices or political views on propositions," she says. She suggests they take advantage of one or more of the following tips:

1. Agree to disagree -- and have that talk openly and soon.
2. Set some ground rules -- that both of you can honor. For instance,
should or should you not talk about politics? If so, what are the
boundaries for discussion? Should you post yard signs or shouldn't you?
See if you can come to terms with some guidelines. Having specifics in
place will preserve both your sanity and your relationship.
3. Host your own debate -- with a "non-partisan" friend or family member
(even one of your children) as the moderator. Time this debate. When it
is over, it is over. You can partake in one or more between now and
November 4.
4. Refrain -- from any discussion about politics. Many couples who are
staunch about their political beliefs are wise to refuse to discuss
political points of view (especially if alcohol is involved!).
Refraining is something you both have to agree to though and when you
make such an agreement, keep it.
5. Employ a sense of humor -- at all times if you do get into heated
discussions over your personal political preferences. Humor has a
wonderful way of breaking tension and allowing your communication to
hit the "refresh" button.
6. Set time limits -- for any political discussions and make sure each of
you has equal time. When the timer goes off resist the temptation to
carry the discussion any further.
7. Focus on what you have in common -- immediately after you run out of
breath spewing your political viewpoints. This election will come and
go, but hopefully it will not take your relationship with it. Realize
that disagreeing over politics is not a relationship-breaker. Focus on
those aspects of your relationship that indicate you belong together.
8. Promise to make equal donations -- or agree not to make any donations
at all to either political party. Couples tend to resent one donating
more than the other. Be fair, upfront and honest, or risk having such
silly deception impact your relationship adversely.

Stacy D. Phillips, managing partner at Phillips, Lerner, Lauzon & Jamra, Los Angeles, is a certified family law specialist and author of Divorce: It's All About Control-How to Win the Emotional, Psychological and Legal Wars. Phillips represents many celebrities in film, television, music, sports, and politics.

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