The way I used to talk politics at Thanksgiving vs now after 15 years on the road

Back then I'd just jump in with my opinion on whatever my uncle said, but after hearing so many different folks' stories from all over the country, I mostly just listen now and ask where they're coming from. Has anyone else found that hearing real people's lives changes how you argue about the big stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_fiona25d ago

Isn't it funny how life can humble you like that? I used to be the same way, jumping into every debate with all my facts and figures ready to go. Then I spent a few years volunteering at a community center in a town that was half one political leaning and half the other. Listening to a single mom talk about why she worried about healthcare costs or a retired farmer explain his concerns about regulations really changed how I see things. Now I find myself asking more questions than making points, and it's made Thanksgiving dinner a lot more peaceful.

dixon.amy25d ago

...and speaking of asking questions instead of making points, I had a buddy who used to argue about truck emissions all the time until he actually rode along with a long-haul driver for a week. The guy showed him how his whole paycheck depends on fuel costs and maintenance schedules, not just the politics of it all. Now my buddy just brings donuts to Thanksgiving and asks people about their jobs first.