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The 2024 election has been an emotional rollercoaster for millions of Americans. Those who voted for Trump have reason to celebrate, while those who supported Harris or a third-party candidate are likely discouraged and need a while to recover emotionally.

The choice was notable because there was one significant voter shift from the Democratic too The Republican ticket about the 2020 election. So many people may now find themselves across the aisle from friends or loved ones with whom they previously agreed.

Many people have to come to terms with the fact that their friends or family members voted differently than them, and honestly, that can hurt a bit, especially when it comes to current issues like women's rights, immigration, the economy, healthcare, LGBTQ rights, and more.

A woman shows off her “I Voted” stickervia Flickr/Bethraebel

Regardless of who you chose, you may feel a tinge of hostility toward a loved one who chose someone else, and you may be unsure how to deal with your feelings. Upworthy spoke with Jessica McCarthy, Psy.D.a clinical neuropsychologist, clinical psychologist, and certified school psychologist to help our readers restore their relationships after the election.

McCarthy is also the founder and clinical director of Elements Psychological Services.

“The interesting thing is that regardless of the political spectrum, people’s feelings are the same — frustrated, angry, passionate, betrayed, dismayed, scared, hopeful, determined, confused,” McCarthy told Upworthy. “People's personal values ​​and viewpoints are something they care about – and when it's a deal-breaking issue, reactions are even more extreme when the opposite opinion comes from a loved one comes.”

After the election, you may want to distance yourself from the people who voted differently than you, and McCarthy thinks that's acceptable. However, it would be best to let your partner know how they feel rather than mysteriously drop out of their life without notice.

“Sometimes people need space to sit and process—again, this can be achieved by communicating about a willingness and willingness to connect,” McCarthy told Upworthy. “Space and silence should never be used as a weapon in a relationship, but this need for space can also be addressed to some extent through effective communication across boundaries and when both parties can come back together and communicate.”

A man shows her sticker that reads “I Voted.”via Jimmy Zo/Flickr

Instead of disappearing from your friends' lives entirely, text them and say, “I need time to sort out my feelings after the election.” I look forward to speaking with you when I’m ready.”

McCarthy says it can be challenging to maintain relationships with people you disagree with because people's viewpoints need to be heard. It can be overwhelming for people to feel forced to keep their mouths shut around their loved ones.

However, some relationships can thrive when there are firm rules for working together. For example, you and your boyfriend may agree that you shouldn't talk about politics in order to maintain the relationship.

“I have many patients in my practice whose friends have differing views in the areas mentioned above, and the health of the relationship is determined by the 'rules of engagement' – either directly or indirectly agreed upon rules that serve as guidelines for how to “To navigate these issues (and often it is agreed not to discuss them),” says McCarthy. “These relationships work because there is tremendous value and joy in other areas of the relationship that mutually benefit both parties.”

There is nothing wrong with feeling disappointed by a loved one who voted differently in the election. People's political views are closely related to their moral values, so it is understandable to have strong feelings toward people you love who make different value judgments. The key to keeping the relationship on a new, healthy path is sharing your feelings, listening to your loved ones, and agreeing on the best path forward. “Any time a relationship has broken down, there needs to be a conversation about how to move forward and what repair might look like,” says McCarthy.