Dr. Warren Farrell, who specializes in relationships, has published a new book on how to get along with family and friends with opposite political viewpoints. Farrell said in Role Mate to Soul Mate, which also addressed romantic relationship problems, that techniques used to improve relations with your significant other can be modified and used successfully with family members discussing political topics. “The political methods are a modification of couples therapy — with people you love, where it hurts the most,” Farrell told me.

Farrell has developed considerable knowledge about why people behave the way they do. Regarding that relative who is a tired, old, broken record, he said, “People who repeat themselves and argue are usually insecure and emotionally starved.” He explained that people start out with noble intentions, but things go awry. He used the example of his own history in the feminist movement, serving on the board of directors of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in New York City years ago for three terms.

NOW eventually became concerned about whether women were “safe” with men as allies being part of the group, and as a solution, had Farrell start men’s groups. He saw different perspectives from the men, such as the fact they weren’t “privileged” by being expected to serve as plentiful breadwinners; many of them didn’t enjoy their careers but were guilted into them in order to make more money.

This led him to realize that “every virtue taken to its extreme becomes a........

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