Thanksgiving was last week, which means the holiday season is officially in full swing. With the U.S. election happening earlier this month, it’s safe to say that many families across the country will likely find themselves talking politics this holiday season. If you happen to agree with your family’s political views, this may not be an issue. However, for most others, disagreements on the outcome of the election are inevitable. If you find yourself in a political conversation you’d rather not engage in, here are nine ways to avoid discussing politics.
1. Set Boundaries Ahead of Time
If your family uses a group chat, this is a great place to send a quick message like: “Hey, I’d prefer to avoid political conversations this holiday season. Thanks!” Setting a clear boundary in advance is one of the best ways to ensure politics stay off the table.
2. Steer the Conversation Toward Neutral Topics
If Aunt Karen didn’t honor your request or you forgot to set a boundary, that’s okay! You can always steer the conversation to more neutral topics, like asking about the family pets or bringing up Aunt Karen’s latest (and hopefully drama-free) adventures.
3. Use Humor
If you can’t avoid the political discussion, try using humor to diffuse the tension. Humor can be a great tool to help keep the mood light and steer away from heated debates.
4. Ask Older Relatives for Memories or Stories from the Past
On a more meaningful note, asking older relatives to share stories from the past can be a great way to redirect the conversation. Maybe Aunt Karen has a hilarious story about her son’s misadventures, or you can reminisce about your mom’s teenage years.
5. Give the Host Compliments
Compliments go a long way in changing the subject and making the host feel appreciated. A comment like, “Thank goodness you didn’t burn the turkey this year!” or “Wow, these mashed potatoes are way better than Karen’s” will quickly shift the focus away from politics.
6. Engage in Group Activities
Break out the Monopoly board or another fun game. It’s hard for anyone to get into a political discussion when everyone’s arguing over who cheated during the game.
7. Set Up a “No Politics” Code Word
You and your cousins probably already have a secret word for when it’s time to sneak off for a walk. Why not create a code word for when things start getting too political? Just make sure Aunt Karen isn’t around when you invoke it!
8. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions are a great way to get people talking without delving into politics. Try asking questions like, “What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?” or “What’s something you’ve learned recently that surprised you?” These kinds of questions help steer conversations toward fun and engaging topics.
9. Change the Environment
Sometimes, the best way to avoid politics is by changing the environment. If Aunt Karen’s comments are getting too heated, suggest taking a walk or move to a different room. Even better, take that holiday walk you’ve been planning!
Use these tips with care. Sometimes, avoidance is the best strategy if you’re concerned about your mental health or blood pressure. If your family insists on talking politics, it may be best to remove yourself from the conversation and try again next year—maybe with more success.
Photo by Nicole Michalou : https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-pouring-wine-on-glass-5775055/
