How to Avoid Painful Political Discussions with Your Spouse

Your spouse might want to share his thoughts with his most trusted friend—you.

Trent and Katelyn are arguing because he wants to talk and she wants to shut down the discussion. Have you ever wanted to do the same, in order to avoid the conflict? Sometimes it seems easier to just not go there. But if you are your mate’s best friend, why wouldn’t he want to discuss his views with you? Perhaps he wants to see that you’ll listen and talk without judging or labeling him. In my research with the happiest couples, one thing they clearly do differently is believe the best of the other person’s intentions—even when there are real irritations. So try believing that he truly wants a conversation and is not simply trying to convince you of how right he is and wrong you are. (“He’s not trying to anger me, he just wants to talk.”)