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Religion, Politics And Vaccines? How to Handle This Year’s Third-Rail Holiday Conversations

December 16, 2021

COVID, vaccine status and differing opinions could make yet another holiday season a little less jolly.

In this episode of Hartford HealthCare’s More Life podcast, Dr. James O’Dea, Vice President of Hartford HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Network, takes on some difficult vaccination conversations some of us could be having with friends and family – while trying to plan for the holidays.

Whether you’re vaccinated or not, Dr. O’Dea helps us understand both points of view and has some valuable conversation tips and strategies, regardless of which group you might fall into.

So how do we avoid placing loved ones on our “naughty or nice” list?

“With people you care about, approach the conversation with generosity and curiosity, says Dr. O’Dea. “We just have to be straightforward. We don’t have to editorialize, be judgmental or wag our fingers. We just have to explain: This is how it works in my life, and I respect the choices you’re making in your life.”

Listen to the full podcast:

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