Being a liberal-minded millennial sharing a house with family members who are entirely averse to your political ideologies is as much of a difficult and challenging circumstance as trying to convince your squeamish, gore-phobe friend that the Walking Dead is really worth watching.
In most cases, you will find yourself in situations where the inevitable debate about politics starts and suddenly your brain is fast-tracking towards putting itself to sleep and all you really want is for the world to stop so you can hop off.
There will most likely be opinions flying in all directions that, while making you believe it’s time to give up on the human race as a credible species, also make you realize that you’re lucky you don’t share the same views. You’re a good human being with decent intentions for other human beings and that’s amazing. But soon enough it may all become too much and along with your Gavin-esque reactions and hooded Pepe begging you to educate the masses, you will most likely give in to just feeling helpless.
Here are 5 tips on how to survive the Trump supporters you share blood with:
1. Listen to Pepe. Don’t remain silent. I know, right? Shocking. You may be thinking, “I’m being shouted at by a person who idolizes Tomi Lahren and you want me to even try?!” I get it – most Trump supporters won’t be very interested in listening to you or if they do, won’t really even consider reviewing what you’ve said. But, here’s the thing: political debates are frustrating, but silence can often mean approval. And when you’re silent, you’re actually playing a part in normalizing their opinions.
2. Be succinct. Say what you need to in 5 sentences or less, if you can. As long as you have said something, to which they will respond, from there you’ll get to decide whether you want to continue the debate or if it’s hopeless after all. But at least you would have said something.
3. Always have food on hand. This is weird, right? You’re trying to have a serious political debate! However, if you’re continuing the debate after your contribution, you’re going to need brain-fuel, or something to keep your hands busy so you don’t actually reach for that heirloom vase that would look better broken.
4. You’re allowed to dislike them for their views. Whether they’re your mother, father, sister or brother, you can do that, as long as you also remember that they’re your family, you’re meant to love no matter what. This is tough when you’re exasperated and shocked that you actually have to justify that being LGBTQIA+ is not a lifestyle choice and that Muslim people are wonderful human beings who deserve respect. But you’re a teenager or young adult who can safely decide that there are things you do not agree with. Basically, do not fear saying you’re offended by something your sister said just because she’s your sister. That should be a norm.
5. Finally, you’re going to need an Aspirin for your possible headache. Perhaps these tips won’t go a very long way in preserving your will to continue fighting the good fight, and maybe you’ve already tried them to no avail. Just remember that one day you’ll be out of that house and able to consistently surround yourself with people who value you, your political opinions and who will treasure you for the precious, strong-willed millennial that you are. It’s going to be a tough 4 years, but we will make it – probably not unscathed, but definitely stronger.
