How do political divisions affect your relationships?

In an election time, it's often difficult for people to hide their political opinions. And with outlets like Facebook and Twitter, it only takes a click to make your opinions known.

American Public Media and This American Life looked for stories of how the red-blue divide affects everyday life and personal relationships. We weren't looking for political opinions -- there are plenty of places for those on the internet -- but rather for stories of how differences of opinion are making everyday life tricky for you.

Here's This American's Life's episode that used insights from these very questions. Even though the episode has aired, we welcome more responses.

Are there friends or relatives whom you no longer feel close to because of irreconcilable political differences? Get-togethers that have been cancelled or book clubs disbanded? Have you felt socially isolated, insulted or demonized -- either at work or in family gatherings -- because of your political beliefs? Please share specific incidents or situations, how they made you feel and how you responded.

When you respond, you'll become a part of American Public Media's Public Insight Network, where you'll have a chance to share your experience and expertise with journalists (unless you opt out -- which you can do at the bottom of any email we send you).

Sincerely,

Anna Weggel
Public Insight Analyst, Public Insight Network

Lisa Pollak
Producer, This American Life

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First Name *

Last Name *

E-mail *

City *

State or Province

Postal Code *

Country *

Phone *

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

Is there a close friend or family member who you can no longer talk to because of politics? Or more generally, has one of your relationships changed in some way because of politics? Please describe.

Would you be willing try to talk to this person again as part of an experiment in how to improve political dialogue?

Think of a close friend or family member whose liberal or conservative beliefs are the opposite of yours. If you could have a totally honest conversation about politics (without any negative consequences), what would you most want to say to them, and what questions would you want them to answer?

Is there something you wish people you know would understand about your beliefs that they don't?

May we publish your insights and attribute them to you? (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 or This American Life to find out more about your experiences. If you have any questions, please contact aweggel@americanpublicmedia.org.

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