Rat asked:
It seems that wherever I go, from class to the barbershop and the grocery store to the movie theater, people always want to talk politics.
It seems that wherever I go, from class to the barbershop and the grocery store to the movie theater, people always want to talk politics.
I’m a political person, and I’m well educated on the candidates and issues, not only for the national elections but also local and some international.
Still, I don’t like to discuss politics. I find that too often it results only in arguments and poor logic.
When people start talking politics, I just politely (I think) say, “Sorry, I don’t like to discuss politics.” and leave it at that. But that tends to irritate people… they get quite offended and think that I’m either being stuffy about my views or that I’m ignorant and just trying to save face.
So how can I politely tell people that I don’t wish to discuss the matter? I’m quite sick of making people mad at me.
Tags: Barbershop, Poor Logic, Talking Politics
I thought your approach sounded pretty good and I am suprised to hear that people get offended.
At this point, I would just not engage in the conversation. Maybe even lie and say you don’t really follow politics.
Nope, it is completely acceptable.
Tell them you do not like to discuss politics because it makes you so angry you could spit nails.
Tell them if they start, you will spit nails of fire at them.
High Fives to you!
It is not rude to tell someone that you do not want talk about politics. They are rude to you to not respect your position.
No it’s not, in some cultures it is considered rude to talk about politics. I don’t see anything wrong with saying “sorry, I don’t like to discuss politics”, so maybe it is the tone that your saying it in? I would practice with someone saying it to see how your tone comes across to other people.
Actually it’s ruder to discuss politics or religion in public gatherings. Always has been. People have forgotten proper etiquette. Honestly, would you rather have people mad at you because you refuse to enter into their diatribe and agenda or tell them that you have been taught that it is rude to discuss politics or religion in mixed settings? I always prefer to put them off with the latter. If you are socializing with people who don’t understand that and still want to push their agenda on you, you are socializing with the wrong folks. It’s gets easier as you get older and stronger with your ideas and concepts and can accept that not all are willing to agree. Hold to your own. You are on the right path.
I saw this in a movie once…Just say, “There are two things I never talk about, religion and politics.”
Go Pats!
No. It’s not rude to tell people you don’t like to talk about politics.
Simply tell them: “sorry, I don’t talk about politics, please excuse me”.
If they get offended that’s their problem.
It seems like you did answer it politely, provided you don’t use a snooty or stuffy tone.
Smile sweetly and say ” to quote the words of George Bernard Shaw I would rather stick to the weather and my health”
I have experienced this too. I used to work at a customer service desk in a big shopping mall and I used to have customers try and get into political debates with me (go figure) . I used to just smile apologetically and change the subject when I got tired of using the above line,.
u have the rite idea and u r not alone
You could give it a try.
You never know
I always say ” I love to listen to other people’s point of view but I find it uncomfortable to discuss my own. I’m a great listener though!” If we are in a private setting and their views are in line with mine I’ll open up then.