Election results to make holidays harder on families this year – here’s how to avoid conflict

Have you voted on how to handle politics with your loved ones this holiday season?

As the country is divided over the current election, so are many couples and families. And the heat from the debates is likely to last well beyond November. 5.

After all, Americans today can’t stand a partner who doesn’t have the same name on the ballot as them.

Only about 23 percent of couples have different political party affiliations, and less than 8 percent consist of a Democrat and a Republican, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

However, while most couples seem to be united in their political beliefs, that doesn’t mean their family and friends are as likely.

That’s why brides and grooms with wedding dates around the upcoming election have set some rules — no alcohol, for example — or managed their expectations of how and what guests will celebrate at their ceremonies.

But the discomfort that comes from political disagreements with loved ones is likely to run deeper than the issue being debated.

“Within relationships, dissatisfaction with the outcome of the election can reflect or magnify disagreements between couples and families,” Rita Watson, a relationship expert, told Psychology Today.

This is especially timely as we gather—or avoid gathering—with each generation of our loved ones during the holiday season.

Some 22% of travelers expect politics could start a family feud while on vacation this year, according to a recent survey by tourism market research firm Future Partners.

Those who have recently left the children’s table are the most nervous.

About 38% of Gen Z and 29% of millennial travelers are concerned about table talk, compared to just 11% of Baby Boomers.

Some have even gone so far as to cancel their festive family gatherings.

Chirag Panchal, founder of luxury travel agency Ensuite Collection, shared that he has a client who usually gathers family from all over the country to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner.

“But this year is different,” he told NBC News.

Some tough political conversations prompted the kids to express their concerns about bringing everyone together – so they won’t.

“They have canceled going anywhere as a family,” Panchal said.

To help people get through this stressful time with their loved ones, Watson shared some tips for saving your relationship after a heated political debate.

1. Identify the problem or conflict.
2. Evaluate the pros and cons of your feelings about the conflict.
3. Put your differences aside and identify what you have in common.
4. Review the reasons why you are grateful for your partner, friends or family.
5. Focus on love and gratitude.
6. Think about how you can make peace with the outcome of a situation, even an election, if it’s not what you wanted.
7. Ask yourself if there is a trade-off; that is, a way to please yourself and others without compromising your values.