When with family, politics and religion can be avoided in public settings.A discussion on a controversial topic requires willing participants, open minds and calm demeanors.When the discussion takes place without family, people feel more comfortable and less controlled, making them more likely to be offensive or vulnerable.If you want to avoid discussing politics with stubborn relatives, you can prevent the discussions altogether or divert them.
Step 1: Before an event, consider your comfort level with politics.
Establish boundaries for yourself before you attend a family event.Decide what you are and don't talk about it with your family.You should pick your battles when it comes to politics and family if some items are off limits for discussion.When discussing topics of discussion, draw lines so that you don't get sucked into an argument.You should think about your battles here.Some subjects are not worth debating anymore.You and your grandma will never agree on abortion.You and your cousin are not going to agree on gay marriage.Both should be on your list of off-limit topics.Say so if someone asks you about something."Sorry, Aunt Louise, but I don't like sharing my views on abortion."I feel like that's a very private subject for me, and I like to keep my opinions to myself.
Step 2: It's a good idea to avoid political Triggers.
Over the years, you should have learned about controversial subjects that can cause arguments at family events.Whether it's medical marijuana, welfare, birth control, religion, war, or business, know what topics to avoid.An argument can be started by innocent questions.Arguments about feminism may occur when your career-focused cousin is constantly asked why she isn't married.If you mean them in an innocent way, don't ask potentially loaded questions at events.Politics may come up in conversation.Politics are a big part of the world and many benign discussions can quickly turn political.You can always censor yourself, even though you can't control your entire family.Do you really want to talk to your family about your friend who lost her job because of layoffs?This may seem like an innocent fact to you, but it could lead to a debate about the current economy.
Step 3: Allow a person to express their feelings.
A political rant may be a side note in a story about a relative's recent troubles as opposed to the start of a political debate.Let your family member know that you are supporting them if this is the case.Don't say anything about their political views.Say you have strong opinions about healthcare.You agree with recent reforms to the healthcare system.Your uncle has had trouble with his insurance after he had a serious surgery.He starts talking about how bad healthcare reform is.If you disagree, it's okay.Keep in mind that your uncle is telling a story.He feels like he needs to vent about his issues.At the moment, you don't need to argue with him about healthcare reform.Without agreeing or disagreeing with his assessment of the healthcare system, tell him that you hope he feels better soon.
Step 4: There is a way to get out of discussions before they happen.
Political arguments feel inevitable in some families.You may get dragged into an argument even if you work hard to avoid them.Before attending an event, you should say a few words to stop the argument.Think of a respectful way to derail a conversation.Say something like, "Thanks for sharing your perspective, but I guess we'll have to agree to disagree" if you disagree with your cousin's views on abortion.If you don't want to publicly disagree with a particularly argumentative person, you can try something like, "Interesting perspective."I'll have to think about that.Stand firm.Keep repeating yourself if someone keeps bringing up a topic.If you tell your cousin you have to agree to disagree on abortion, he will ask, "Why is that?"How do you feel?Let's not get into it.We don't feel the same way.
Step 5: Avoid politics by setting a ground rule.
If your family has had too many upsetting political encounters, you may just want to agree ahead of time.If you disagree with someone in your family, you may want to avoid discussing politics with them.You and your mother are polar opposites.You're very conservative, while she's very liberal.To keep the peace, try to agree before a family event so that you don't bring up politics.
Step 6: It takes two people to have a political discussion.
If your relative hasn't asked you a political question, it's best to ignore it and not add to the discussion.You should only talk to people you know will remain calm and respectful.Even if someone else is, you don't have to share your opinion.If you know what hot button issues in your family are, you can keep it to yourself.Do you think it's worth it to respond to your uncle if he accuses you of supporting a political candidate?It's better if you bite your tongue.You're not likely to change anyone's mind in a brief argument over the holidays.If someone is making you angry, try to laugh it off.It is possible to rant to friends later on.
Step 7: The subject can be changed with a political fact or anecdote.
If a political discussion begins, find a way to stop it.In an uncomfortable conversation, you can change the subject by bringing up something unrelated.Do you remember any interesting facts related to the political discussion?Say your Aunt is talking about the United States prison system.You can insert something less loaded into the discussion if you try to think of something.Did you know that Orange is the New Black is in prison?It's interesting how they are doing their own original stuff.It's strange how TV is changing.The conversation is turned away from prison.You're talking about changing forms of media rather than the show itself when you bring up a show about prison.
Step 8: Look out for common ground.
If you are asked a direct question and disagree with someone, try to find common ground.Trying to agree on something may prevent a conversation from becoming a debate.Say you are debating climate change."Look, at the very least, I think we can both agree we should protect the planet, whether global warming is real at not."Why don't we leave it at that?Try to change the subject.Again, be persistent.It's important to shut this down for some relatives who may be particularly aggressive.In different ways, repeat yourself.I know you don't think global warming is a hoax, but we both know our planet is important.We are able to agree on that.
Step 9: Bring up something that interests the other person.
If you can't get out of a political argument, try to find something the other person will want to talk about.You can ask a question or refer back to a previous topic.Asking personal questions can change a topic.Maybe you know that your cousin is going through a rough time.She likes to complain about her ex, but the conversation has turned to religion.You can ask, "What church did Chris attend again?"She may start talking about her ex.To derail the conversation, you can ask a personal question.A topic that usually sparks debate is your Uncle Ted's complaints about the dangers of medical marijuana.He might say, "I never wasted my time on drugs when I was young."Try to ask, "What kind of things did you do for fun in college?"
Step 10: You should try to see the other side's perspective.
You may find yourself sucked into a political debate despite your best efforts.Try to keep things respectful if this happens.Don't let a discussion turn into an argument.People come into the world with different experiences.Do you think your Uncle Ted has a unique background that makes him feel different about a subject?Even if you don't respect his viewpoint, can you understand him better?Ask questions.If you want to gain insight into a point of view that's foreign to you, see this discussion as a chance to do so.Ask, "Why do you feel that way?""Is there a reason you think that?"
Step 11: Don't be critical of your opinion without being critical.
It is possible for political discussion to be healthy.You can learn something about another person if you don't change your mind.You can give the person a chance to learn more about you.Don't argue when you disagree, share your opinion as an offer.Say you're arguing with your conservative cousin about something.I see it differently as I'm friends with many women who don't make a lot of money.I think it's important to keep it funded because my friends were in need of it.Try to understand what your cousin is going through.Don't want to argue, make it clear you're engaging."But I understand, given your views on abortion, why you see it differently?"You can say thank you for sharing your opinion.
Step 12: Don't interrupt when someone else is speaking.
If you want to change the topic quickly, it can appear rude and cause tempers.Wait until someone asks a question or expresses their opinion before commenting or changing the topic.It's important that you don't interrupt if you're talking politics and sharing differing opinions.This can be seen as an argument.
Step 13: Stay calm, stay calm.
Regardless of how your family members respond to a political discussion, be aware of your own anger.People don't know when they say something offensive or raise their voices during a discussion with family members.Anger over politics can ruin a family event.Someone having an opposing viewpoint isn't a personal attack on you.When arguing keep this in mind.Do not say things like, "So you think I'm stupid?"Know the volume of your voice.It's possible that you're raising your voice without meaning.Even if you're trying to be respectful, this can come off as arguing.