Oof, that feeling is so real and I totally hear you Tara. If it's any consolation, one refrain I've heard a lot from truly talented organizers is that the ability to have transformative conversations with loved ones/folks closest to us is often MUCH harder than it is for more collegial relationships and/or strangers. It makes sense-- wit…
Oof, that feeling is so real and I totally hear you Tara. If it's any consolation, one refrain I've heard a lot from truly talented organizers is that the ability to have transformative conversations with loved ones/folks closest to us is often MUCH harder than it is for more collegial relationships and/or strangers. It makes sense-- with folks with whom we have shared history, there's so much weighing on every conversation-- other dynamics in the relationship, fear of judgment, etc. It doesn't make it impossible but it does make the change more gradual (which I know you know, but yeah... that is disappointing). I just want to affirm that you're not doing anything wrong. [As a quick aside, sometimes in situations like the one's you're in, I've been able to help kickstart things with the question "hey, talking politics with me is really annoying, isn't it. What do you dislike most about it?"-- maybe that helps unlock some of the walls you're experiencing it, maybe not-- again, though, be kind to yourself... this is hard].
It makes sense that it would be harder to make progress in close close relationships than in ones where all parties have less invested. I appreciate that reminder; thank you.
Ok, I cracked up at that kickstart question. I am *definitely* going to use that! I think one of the things that bugs the folks in question is how serious and intense they perceive political discussions to be. So a joke at my expense is probably going to be a winner.
Oof, that feeling is so real and I totally hear you Tara. If it's any consolation, one refrain I've heard a lot from truly talented organizers is that the ability to have transformative conversations with loved ones/folks closest to us is often MUCH harder than it is for more collegial relationships and/or strangers. It makes sense-- with folks with whom we have shared history, there's so much weighing on every conversation-- other dynamics in the relationship, fear of judgment, etc. It doesn't make it impossible but it does make the change more gradual (which I know you know, but yeah... that is disappointing). I just want to affirm that you're not doing anything wrong. [As a quick aside, sometimes in situations like the one's you're in, I've been able to help kickstart things with the question "hey, talking politics with me is really annoying, isn't it. What do you dislike most about it?"-- maybe that helps unlock some of the walls you're experiencing it, maybe not-- again, though, be kind to yourself... this is hard].
It makes sense that it would be harder to make progress in close close relationships than in ones where all parties have less invested. I appreciate that reminder; thank you.
Ok, I cracked up at that kickstart question. I am *definitely* going to use that! I think one of the things that bugs the folks in question is how serious and intense they perceive political discussions to be. So a joke at my expense is probably going to be a winner.