Experts share advice on how to navigate political conversations during Thanksgiving

"You need to focus on understanding instead of trying to win."

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY)–For those fortunate enough to gather together tomorrow, politics may put a damper on a happy occasion.
It has been a contentious political season. We’ve heard from voters during the elections and navigated conversations between those who disagree.
“There’s a lot of stuff that we agree on. There’s a lot of stuff that we don’t see eye to on. But, as long as you approach it respectably,” says one voter.
“We’ve done a good job talking about it pretty much. We try to talk about more so what’s important to us,” says another voter.

Now it’s time for a meal that brings us together, but as far as gobbling about politics around the dinner table…

“We may talk about it a little bit, but we don’t focus on it all that much,” one resident said.
“We try to steer as clear away from that,” another resident said.
“You can always bring it back to sports, and there’s enough opinions on that. They can be just as polarizing as politics,” a resident said.

A recent study done by YouGov shows out of 81% of people who plan to celebrate Thanksgiving, 14% expect political arguments during the holiday.

“You need to focus on understanding instead of trying to win,” Jennifer Brubaker said.

Jennifer Brubaker is a communications studies professor at UNCW. She says if political conversations arise, the goal is to have an open mind and set boundaries.

“Our politics are so attached to who we are as individuals that anytime someone says something against that, it’s going to feel like they are attacking us,” Brubaker said.

And you certainly don’t want any food fights. So, if things get heated, Brubaker also says to take a step back, giving you time to take accountability for your actions.

“Empathy is at the core of forgiveness and empathy and just understanding where the other person is coming from,” Brubaker said.