(PatriotNews.net) – Dr. Amanda Calhoun, Yale University’s chief psychiatry resident, stirred debate with her recent comments on MSNBC’s The ReidOut. During a conversation with host Joy Reid, Dr. Calhoun advised that people who feel hurt or betrayed by family members’ votes in favor of President Trump’s re-election should consider taking space from those relatives during the holidays.
Joy Reid introduced the topic by acknowledging how difficult it can be to be around family members who voted in ways that might feel personal. She raised examples of how people from various backgrounds—such as LGBTQ individuals, women, or racial minorities—might feel that a Trump vote opposes their rights or values. Reid said, “We’ve got the holidays coming up, and some may wonder if they even want to interact with family members who voted for him.”
Dr. Calhoun responded, “I think this is an important question. Society often tells us that we’re supposed to spend time with family just because they’re family, but that doesn’t mean they’re entitled to our time, especially if their choices have hurt us.”
Dr. Calhoun emphasized that it’s okay to set limits with family members when necessary, and people should feel free to explain why. “If you have family members or friends who voted in ways that feel directly against you—whether it’s about your rights or your identity—it’s completely fine to take some time away and tell them why. You might say, ‘I feel hurt by how you voted, and I need space for myself.’”
She further explained that setting boundaries could be essential for mental health, especially if the relationship is causing emotional distress. Dr. Calhoun also noted that this guidance applies to parents with children. “I don’t think kids or adults should be forced to be around people just because they’re family. Boundaries are necessary.”
In a time when political divides seem sharper than ever, Dr. Calhoun’s advice highlights how establishing boundaries might help people protect their mental well-being. For those who feel tension with family members due to political differences, her guidance encourages them to choose what feels right for their own health.
With the holidays approaching, these comments have sparked discussion on how families can balance tradition with respecting each other’s personal boundaries.
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