Do you have political divides with friends, family or co-workers, and if so, how do you handle them?

When at the Naval Academy, Townsend was frequently involved in fights – both verbal and physical – over the Union and Confederate positions. Do you have political divides with friends, family or co-workers, and if so, how do you handle them?

Oh dear - sad, but true. Especially after the 2016 American Presidential election and ongoing debates about regular citizens and automatic weapons of war. There has been no way to handle it other than to not talk about politics; there seems to be *no* middle ground.

Yes I do have political divides and it is best not to talk about politics right now.

Unless I am talking with friends (who tend to agree with me) politics and religion are generally off the discussion page. This had not always been true. There was a time when friends of all persuasions could have a sharing of views. The American Civil War divided families much as they are divided now. This story makes the tragedy very real.

Absolutely!! I don't think there is a person alive who can say otherwise--political divides will always exist, but I wish we, as a country, would remember to treat those with opposing views with respect. Furthermore, the subject of politics, like religion, is often VERY personal to each individual, and there is little that can be done to change another's mind, once one's political beliefs are formed.

How do I handle it? I simply realize that, politically, we are on separate sides, and that there is little I can say to "sway" them to "my" side. Likewise, I remind them, that I will most probably be unconvinced that their side is the "better" side. I treat people how I would like to be treated, and if that cannot be done, I simply avoid the topic altogether. Unfortunately, this past American election has brought out some ugliness in people on both sides, and because I cannot and will not tolerate that ugliness in my life, I have walked away from those friendships: I have willingly severed friendships with both Democrats and Republicans.

I like many others just avoid the subjects of politics and religion. Believe what you want, do what you need to do, and most of all respect others.

I avoid certain topics when possible. If I just cannot let someone go one indefinitely and I am totally sure of my facts, I will confront them with verified facts. Usually it isn't worth the effort to try to inform them.

There are certain topics about which we must agree to disagree. I do not discuss politics with coworkers. That is a recipe for ending up in HR! With family and friends I will not hesitate to voice my beliefs; however, it would be futile in today’s uncivilized environment to expect to change anyone’s position. The USA has become too polarized. I’ve had family members become estranged over political disagreements. Sometimes I enjoy being provocative; but I believe all discourse should be civil and I do not choose my friends or ‘unfriend’ somebody because they harbor differing views.

Of course, anyone living in this country has political divides, and it is particularly hurtful when family and close friends who disagree argue hatefully, sometimes without facts, but on a more visceral level. I find the best way to divert antagonism is to ask for examples and specifics of the issue. More often than not, the details are not forthcoming, since the argument has been based on general hearsay of the media and overall opinion of the issue.

I agree that the climate in the USA right now makes politics a very touchy subject that is best avoided. I feel like I shut down when the topic comes up because no one wants to discuss they want to state their beliefs and not to listen to anyone who disagrees with them. It is stressful and sad. I love a good debate/discussion but politics right now is too divisive for me!

In todays political climate i find it so divisive that it is impossible to talk about politics at all. In the past, even though I’ve had a difference of opinions with friends we could always dicuss things. Today, unless people are totaly like minded, any discussion is impossible

I agree with others who have written that political topics should be avoided. But, and it's a big BUT, if the subject arises, then I need to make my position clear. Then I shut my mouth or walk away or otherwise end the conversation. I won't be uncivil but I also won't be silenced. Our time, like Townsend's, call for reason and clarity and empathy.

Yes, I do have political divides with some friends and some family members. I find that I can only discuss many issues with those who maintain a sense of humor about political differences. I am truly disappointed in those who find it necessary to attribute evil motives to anyone who disagrees them. I guess it makes me sad that people who used to engage in healthy, robust debates now resort to mean-spirited attacks. I avoid the topics, and sometimes the people! I hate the political nastiness on social media.

I have political divides with family and friends. Depending on who I am dealing with, we either joke about it or avoid it altogether. Unfortunately as positions have been more polarized, it's more important to vocalize opinions and avoiding differences is harder than ever. My caveat to this is that the conversation must remain civilized or I walk away until cooler heads prevail.

Of course! And I stick to the very mature attitude of avoidance: avoid such topics, don’t engage, and carry on with easier topics bc there’s no need to stir things up unnecessarily. If you truly love them, you want a good relationship with them, no? And if you both disagree on an issue and neither one will bend, why muddy the waters and make life difficult?

I do usually avoid political discussions with most people who have different opinions. Occasionally, I can discuss the topic with them knowing that both sides will have to agree to disagree.

Given the atmosphere and turmoil so prevalent in our society right now of course there are people/family I simply do not agree with. For the most part we try to avoid discussing political issues because for many in my family, at least, the general feeling is one of if you don't agree with what they think you are, as the saying goes, "dead to me," which I find absolutely ridiculous.

Yes, I have significant divides with family, friends and co-workers. It depends on who the people are. If it can be a rational discussion, I will engage and ask why they feel the way they do. If I know it will be hostile, I don't engage. I tend not to try to sway people's opinions however I will challenge their beliefs. Especially in the political climate today. I understand people being conservative but don't understand how anyone can support our current president and his ignorance and hypocrisy. I believe he has create a more divisive climate than I have seen in my lifetime.