Edit Article

Two Methods:Prevent Political DiscussionsRedirect Political Discussions

Politics and religion are topics that are often avoided in a public setting. These subjects usually require willing partners, open minds and calm demeanors. When you are at a family dinner or function, you do not have the control required to ensure people will not be offended. Family gatherings usually offer a mixed bag of political views, which often differ based on age, geography, employment, gender and personal experience. There are some guidelines to follow in order to prevent or redirect political discussions with your relatives. Some of these guidelines can keep you from awkward situations at work or at parties. Learn how to avoid politics with stubborn relatives.

Ad

EditMethod 1 of 2: Prevent Political Discussions

  1. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 1.jpg
    1
    Limit the alcohol intake at your family functions. Many people respond irrationally and emotionally when they are drinking. Keep a small amount of booze at the table, like 1 or 2 bottles of wine, instead of having an open bar, and you are less likely to center on contentious topics.
    Ad
  2. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 2.jpg
    2
    Consider your comfort level with politics. Before you end up facing a political question, decide what you are and are not comfortable talking about with your family. If you don't want to tell your family how you voted in the last election, say "I don't like to discuss how I vote; I think it's personal" and walk away.
  3. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 3.jpg
    3
    Avoid political triggers. Over the years, you should have intimate knowledge of contentious subjects that start your family members talking about their political complaints. These hot button issues may include medical marijuana, welfare, birth control, religion, war or business.
  4. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 4.jpg
    4
    Identify when a person is telling a personal story and when they are engaging a political discussion. A political rant may only be a side note in a story about a relative's recent troubles. In this case, just listen to your family member and let them know you are there for them, rather than commenting about their political views.
  5. Meet Jewish Singles and Friends in New York (NYC) Step 1.jpg
    5
    Avoid a joking session. Family time can be jovial, but instituting a policy of retelling jokes often leads to racist, political or sexist jokes. Try to ask a personal question to get away from raw topical humor.

EditMethod 2 of 2: Redirect Political Discussions

  1. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 14.jpg
    1
    Recognize that it takes 2 people to have a political talk or argument. If your relative has not asked you a direct political question, ignore the person. It is always a good idea to pick your battles with relatives, so take the time to help out in the kitchen or go for a walk.
  2. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 7.jpg
    2
    Suggest that you save the political talk for another time. Holiday celebrations, birthdays and weddings, many of the times you see relatives, are not the time to distract from a jovial atmosphere. Say that you don't want to take away from the day or tell the relative you need to help out.
    • If you're lucky, the topic will be forgotten in the morning and you won't need to talk about it at another time.
      Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 7Bullet1.jpg
  3. Meet Jewish Singles and Friends in New York (NYC) Step 4.jpg
    3
    Respond with a neutral phrase. If you are asked a direct question, say, "You made some interesting points" or "You seem passionate about the subject" instead of stating your opinion.
  4. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 9.jpg
    4
    Redirect the conversation with a personal question. After you make a neutral statement, try to think of a personal question that refers to an earlier topic or the topic that started the discussion. People often like to be asked thoughtful personal questions, so they may easily follow the topic change.
  5. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 10.jpg
    5
    Don't interrupt. You may want to change the topic quickly; however, this can easily cause offense and lead to hot tempers. Wait until the person stops talking or asks you a question to pick an exit strategy or change of topic.
  6. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 11.jpg
    6
    Stay calm. Your relative may have said something offensive or raise their own voice. Watch your own anger to make sure you aren't making the situation worse; people are often unaware of when they raise their voices during a talk.
  7. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 12.jpg
    7
    Find common ground. When a discussion starts to turn sour, think of something that you can agree on. Mention something that you both like to do or an opinion you have in common.
  8. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 13.jpg
    8
    Avoid the phrase "We should agree to disagree." This is a common phrase that ends a conversation on a bitter note. Instead, say, "I can see this means a lot to you" or "You've given me food for thought," and lead the person into a different conversation or activity.
  9. Avoid Politics With Stubborn Relatives Step 14.jpg
    9
    Set a ground rule to avoid politics. If your family has had too many upsetting political encounters, this may be the last and best way to avoid political discussion. Like a memo at work, tell your family members, 1 by 1, before an event that political topics are off-limits.
    Ad


We could really use your help!

Can you tell us about
car stereos?
Yes
No
car stereos
how to install a car stereo
Can you tell us about
cleaning carpet?
Yes
No
cleaning carpet
how to clean vomit out of a carpet
Can you tell us about
sabbaticals?
Yes
No
sabbaticals
how to plan a sabbatical
Can you tell us about
wakeskating?
Yes
No
wakeskating
how to wakeskate
Thanks for helping! Please tell us everything you know about
...
Tell us everything you know here. Remember, more detail is better.
Tips
Provide Details.
Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. Don't worry about formatting! We'll take care of it. For example:
Don't say: Eat more fats.
Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.
Submit

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Avoid Uncomfortable Conversations About Religion

How to
Avoid Defensiveness About Politics

How to
Avoid Office Politics

EditSources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Managing Conflict and Difficult Interactions

In other languages:

Español: Cómo evitar temas políticos con parientes testarudos

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,177 times.

Did this article help you?
Yes No

Become
an Author!

Write an Article