Seeing loved ones during the holidays can be stressful. Often times, political discussions seem almost unavoidable these days. What should be a fun family gathering can turn into what feels like a war. For some, it can be a struggle to balance your own views, alongside others.

Here are some of the best ways to talk with family over the holidays without it feeling like a battlefield:

1. Don’t force your perspective on anyone

The best thing to do with anyone, family or not, is to not force your opinion or perspective onto them. People can get defensive and probably won’t easily be persuaded. Recognize that some of your family may not agree with you and that’s okay.

2. Recognize that you have control of the situation

In situations like this, you have more control over it than you think. If you feel something may be getting out of hand attempt to change the subject or exclude yourself from the conversation.

3. Learn how to argue fairly

If you’re going to discuss things like politics over holiday dinners make sure you know how to discuss and debate fairly.

4. Work through your differences

Keep an open mind and don’t judge. Maybe you’ll see that your opinions are more similar than different.

5. Walk away

Often times the only thing you can do is walk away.

Kaitlyn Cashdollar (12) has dealt with differing views in her own family. “They make [holidays] very unpleasant. It often turns nice conversations into uncomfortable ones. I don’t think it helps anyone, it just makes everything uncomfortable in general,” said Cashdollar. “ I say something, (and) sometimes people don’t listen or don’t hear my point or just refuse altogether, and then when I ask for the backing up of their own points, they have the inability to do that.”

Holidays can become difficult to enjoy when family brings up these topics. “In some ways, I dread (the holidays) especially with that group of people,” said Cashdollar.