I’m writing this for anyone who has faced the unsettling reality of having a loved one who supports Trump. It’s a disheartening situation that I never thought I would encounter, yet here I am. Yes, I have a family member who genuinely backs Trump—not in jest, but as a serious voter ready to cast their ballot come November 8.
It’s heartbreaking. I want to maintain our relationship, yet discussing this topic feels like opening a Pandora’s box of emotions. I could easily unleash a torrent of criticisms about his views on race, gender, and politics. To keep the peace, I’ve vowed never to mention Trump in their presence. Thankfully, they know my stance and usually steer clear of political discussions.
Here are the seven stages of grief you might experience if you discover that someone you care for plans to support Trump:
- Shock/Disbelief
“No!” I exclaimed over the phone to my loved one’s partner. “I know,” she replied softly. “It’s like they’ve been brainwashed.” That had to be it—some form of mental manipulation! We share blood, yet our beliefs are worlds apart. “How do you cope?” I asked her, genuinely curious. “We just don’t discuss it,” she sighed, a heavy weight in her tone. - Denial
When I visited their house, I acted as if the blaring Fox News in the background didn’t exist. I pretended we were a harmonious family, ignoring the fact that one member had seemingly lost touch with reality. I bit my tongue so hard I almost drew blood and returned home feeling defeated. - Anger
Seriously? How can anyone choose a person who thrives on hate and division as our leader? No one is immune to his rhetoric—women, veterans, minorities, and even infants. How could my loved one fall for the absurdity of building a wall? We’re all immigrants in this country! - Bargaining
I found myself praying, “Dear God, help my loved one see the truth about Trump.” Then came the Republican convention, followed by a stream of outrageous comments from him. “Did you watch the news?” I asked my loved one’s partner one night. “Yes,” she replied. “And?” I pressed. “He still supports him.” How could that be? Trump openly mocked war heroes! - Guilt
Did my fervent “Hillary for 2016” enthusiasm push them away? Could I have somehow blocked Fox News from their reality? It’s likely nothing I could have done would change their mind. - Depression
I decided to distract myself with old David Letterman interviews featuring Trump—at least they were entertaining. I clung to the hope that most Americans are decent and wouldn’t vote for someone who lies with impunity. - Acceptance (and Hope)
In the end, I suppose we all have the right to our opinions—even if the safety of our nation relies on some of us recognizing Trump’s antics for what they are. I must accept that my loved one is misguided but still a good person at heart.
So, there you have it—the stages of grief you may experience if you discover that a loved one is supporting Trump. We’ll need to stick together until November 9, when hopefully, sanity prevails. After all, he might retreat back to his golden palace, leaving politics behind.
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Summary:
Navigating the emotional landscape of having a loved one who supports Trump can be challenging. The journey often includes stages of shock, denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, depression, and ultimately acceptance. Maintaining relationships while grappling with differing political beliefs is essential, and understanding these stages can help in the process.