Most of my family leans one way politically, and I lean another. I love them but sometimes it makes conversation difficult; even topics that aren't explicitly political easily turn into huge debates as soon as I express an opinion that differs from theirs.
My mom in particular has a habit of making inflammatory statements and then refusing to hear what I have to say about it. She says that it's too late at night and she's too tired to keep up, or that we're in public and shouldn't discuss it, or whatever. Basically, she can say what she wants but whatever I have to say is going too far.
I know that the best thing for me to do is to keep my mouth shut and not comment on her statements, but there is a part of me that hopes that I might be able to change her mind on an important topic if only I can present a sufficiently persuasive argument. It doesn't help - ever - and I just go away feeling hurt, angry, and unimportant.
I don't know what I can do to make myself feel better or to deal better with this conversation. I am so tired of this, but it's to the point that I feel like I'm not even allowed to be myself with my own family.
Do you have any advice or suggestions on how I can help myself when this happens? How on earth do I avoid these horrible episodes without losing my sense of self?
[photo credit: Getty Images]
