It feels like an eternity since the inauguration day. The current political climate has revealed itself like a set of Russian nesting dolls, each layer unveiling a new shock that floods my news feed daily. I’ve learned more about the White House and its occupants than I ever wanted to know—the names, the scandals, the firings, the endless drama, and the unsettling revelations that somehow see the light of day.
And then there are the tweets—oh the tweets.
Amidst this chaos, my loved one remains steadfast in their silence and support. At least around me, they choose not to engage, likely because I’ve been known to lose my composure at the mere mention of our president’s name. It’s become impossible for me to sit quietly while he declares that white men are the real victims of discrimination, that only English-speaking immigrants deserve a welcome, and that transgender individuals are no longer fit for military service. I can’t fathom how anyone can view such hateful rhetoric as acceptable.
Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence of the harm caused by these ideologies, my loved one continues to support him. I find myself mourning not only for our relationship but for countless others that are strained by these political divides. It’s as if we’ve uncovered a deeply unsettling truth about those we hold dear, and it breaks my heart with every tweet.
What are they afraid of? I suspect that supporters are fearful of differences—of minorities, of women, of anyone who doesn’t fit their narrow worldview. Perhaps they fear the erosion of white supremacy and the patriarchal structure that has long dominated our society.
Emotional Stages of Grief
In my confusion and sorrow over my loved one’s unwavering support, I’ve experienced several emotional stages:
- Shock/Disbelief
Earlier this summer, I was driving through a city with my loved one when they exclaimed, “Look, Trump Tower! It’s all gold!” I was left speechless, struggling to maintain composure on a long drive, knowing that engaging in a political discussion would lead nowhere good. - Denial
Each news update I encounter makes me think, “This must be the breaking point.” Yet, my loved one remains supportive. I can’t accept that someone closely related to me could condone such actions. - Anger
While preparing dinner one evening, I heard Fox News blaring in the background and remarked, “You know they are lying to you?” My loved one countered with, “All other channels are fake news.” How can one possibly dismiss all other perspectives? - Bargaining
I find myself pleading, “Please, can you just stop tweeting?” - Guilt
One morning, my young child crawled into bed and asked, “Why did [our loved one] vote for that bad man?” I felt a pang of guilt, not wanting this to impact their relationship. - Depression
We used to share many political viewpoints, but the rise of Trump has allowed hidden biases to surface, revealing a darker side to America that I never wanted to believe existed. - Acceptance (and Hope)
Ultimately, I find hope in the possibility of truth coming to light. We may have to wait, but I believe it will happen.
Many people are facing similar struggles—friends and family members divided over political allegiances, leading to uncomfortable interactions and even severed ties. Yet, I hold onto the belief that the pendulum of politics will swing back, and I look forward to a future where dialogue can be restored.
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Summary
The emotional journey of dealing with a loved one’s unwavering support for Trump can be a complex experience, encompassing shock, denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, depression, and ultimately acceptance. It highlights the strain that political divides can place on personal relationships and the hope for future reconnection.