Where is the silver lining to the election noise?

As election day inches closer, it's getting increasingly difficult to avoid each other's political opinions. And with outlets like Facebook and Twitter, it only takes a click to make your opinions known.

A lot of people have told us about how differences of political opinion -- especially those expressed on social networking sites -- are tearing families, friendships, and even couples apart. So now we're wondering -- what's the silver lining in all of this?

Is Facebook actually helping you express yourself in ways you wouldn't feel comfortable doing in person? Have you learned something important from a Twitter post? Or are you so sick of election noise that you turn to social networks as a form of refuge?

Share your story about the silver lining with us. We'll read every response, and follow up with you if we want to learn more. We may post some of the best stories on our website.

Here are others who have shared stories about maintaining (or letting go of) relationships in an election year:

View How politics is straining our relationships in a full screen map

Sincerely,

Anna Weggel
Public Insight Analyst, Public Insight Network

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First Name *

Last Name *

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Please share a personal story of how political divisions have affected your life and relationships.

How are social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter factoring in to the election for you?

Be honest. When you need a break from election coverage, to what or whom do you turn? (Guilty pleasures welcome.)

May we publish your insights and attribute them to you with your name and hometown? (Your comments may be edited for length or clarity.) *

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We have a few more questions that help us better understand your perspective, and allow us to include people of a variety of backgrounds in our stories. You are not required to answer any of them.

What is your gender?

In what year were you born?

What political party, if any, do you identify with most closely?

What do you do for work?

What race or ethnicity are you?

Thank you for your time. You may be contacted by someone from American Public Media to find out more about your experiences. If you have any questions, please contact aweggel@americanpublicmedia.org.

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