Avoid unhealthy political debates, save that relationship!

I as a Kenyan and as a friend would greatly urge Kenyans to put aside unhealthy political debates. By unhealthy I mean those debates that end up in a fight or one going quiet on the other or say, shut the other up in a bad word.

I have seen several end like this. I have also been in situations where I get overly vexed that I go silent or rudely end the debate. Not that I want to be rude but there just doesn’t seem to be another way to end it. Calling it off politely will just end it for a while only to have it back again.

One thing with such conversations is that they tend to be very tempting. You will always want to say something after the other person gives a point. When you call it off, the other one makes a statement that awakens another one in you… and it goes on and on. Simply put, they are complicated to end.

Another thing is, you always think you have the better point or put, you know more. They are just so annoying at some point! You quickly rub off the others’ points terming them void-which in most instances you didn't even listen to understand. We listen to nullify the other person's point and not necessarily to understand it. It becomes even worse if an informed fellow debates with one who is ignorant with information. You will not like the way they argue things out. No matter how researched and true your point is, they will trash it as though it was a bad joke.

I don’t have a problem with people sharing their different opinions on matters concerning politics. Am just worried of how it leaves relationships. I once had to declare to a close friend of mine that we are never to have a political debate in our encounters as it never ended well especially because we shared different stands on presidential candidates.

The moment you realize you have different sentiments and stands on political matters or any other debatable matter, I say you respect that. Listen to each others take and respectively/politely nullify it (if you have to). Else, consider each others sentiments as opinions which all people are entitled to, you will not hate me for my opinion right? After all, it’s my take that makes me different from you and difference brings variety and new ideas.

Let the debates be the least in your frequent conversations. Unless triggered by an unavoidable situation, keep them few and secondary. If all they do is start a fight between you, I say you officially keep them out of your relationship and find other topics to discus.After all,what matters most to you,the friendship or some political guy you 'tetea' so strongly?

Uta acha mbachao kwa msala upitaoo??
Shall you loose/fracture a relationship for a political guy you only know from afar?

Sellah!