- Apr 5, 2014
- 25,817
We should all have the right to openly hate for no rational reason, clearly. I think some folk can't survive without it.
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[Politics] How do you deal with people obsessed with political views?
- Thread starter HalfaSeatOn
- Start date
- Mar 23, 2023
- 2,109
I’ve got a couple of friends who are a bit like this but I just say I’m staying out of politics, it works eventually.
The person is probably bored and spending most of their time watching news channels - suggest that they take up a hobby or do some charity work instead.
The person is probably bored and spending most of their time watching news channels - suggest that they take up a hobby or do some charity work instead.
Well, that’s sorted out my Xmas day this year if politics is brought into the conversation by anyone! Thankyou for the tip.
- Aug 7, 2003
- 8,068
Not an issue with any friends or family, the only time I come across it is on here 
Greg Bobkin
Silver Seagull
- May 22, 2012
- 15,971
Simply yell them you don't want to talk about politics. If they don't respect that, then be more firm until it reaches the point where you don't interact with them at all. Family or not, no-one is worth that level of hassle!
Or excuse yourself from the situation by saying you're off to 'do your own research'.
Or excuse yourself from the situation by saying you're off to 'do your own research'.
- Jul 27, 2024
- 574
That’s probably the worst idea if you actually don’t want the conversation to continue.
Half Time Pies
Well-known member
It's a tough one, we have a conspiracy theorist in our family. 10 mins in his presence and he's shoehorned in something about Blackrock, vaccines and lockdowns and things get more ridiculous the more he has to drink. I never know how to handle it, my instinct is to challenge him but then I can end up getting drawn in to a discussion about whether the moon is hollow or not!
dsr-burnley
Well-known member
- Aug 15, 2014
- 2,603
Make it a game. On "I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue" there is a game where each player tries to get to their own punchline by picking up the threads of the other one's tale and twisting it their own way. Do that. Say something that bears only the vaguest relevance to what they just said, and turn the conversation your way.
If nothing else, it will get them as irritated as what they do, gets you!
If nothing else, it will get them as irritated as what they do, gets you!
You could have real fun with this. For every looney tinfoil hat topic he launches into, come up with something even more ridiculous and blatantly nonsense, then act surprised and aggrieved if he questions it. And just keep at it, don’t let up or admit you’re playing a game - go all in.
Use the ‘ignore relative’ function. Well worth a fiver a month.
All families are different. I’d just try and be proactive about steering the narrative away from politics although if you are talking about current affairs, it can be tough.
I wonder if your family members are posting the same about you on some politics forum?
“Need a bit of help here. I’ve got family members who seem to turn everything in to football.”
Also, it could be worse, they could be bringing up other more difficult subjects……
“Need a bit of help here. I’ve got family members who seem to turn everything in to strictly come dancing.”
Or…….
“Need a bit of help here. I’ve got family members who seem to turn everything in to pornography.”
No need to bring @El Presidente into this
Well, they can come again.
Normal Rob
Well-known member
No tolerance from me. I tell them, quite firmly, to STFU or Feck off. It always works one way or the other.
I imagine this is exactly what the Today programme’s new presenter Emma Barnett is like at home.
I’ll need to know which party they support before providing a response.
cheshunt seagull
Well-known member
- Jul 5, 2003
- 2,590
If I can do it easily I change the subject. Next would be to say we'll have to agree to differ. I usually only engage if they start going on about vaccines and how we should eat nuts rather than have medicines as that nonsense can kill people.
My Stepfather had the extremely irritating habit of holding court and espousing his opinions at GREAT length, usually just a cliched load of nonsense he had repeated endlessly over the years. He would have his say and when anyone then tried to counter his ramblings he’d sigh and say “oh well, that’s it and all about it” and abruptly end the “conversation”. Having had his say and letting nobody else talk. Every single time. Without fail.
It got to the point where whenever he started I’d simply get up and leave the room.
It got to the point where whenever he started I’d simply get up and leave the room.
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Comrade Sam
Comrade Sam
Obviously if he's left wing, agree and ask him to expand his argument. If he's right wing, tell him he's wrong and you don't want to hear another word from his stupid mouth.
(Unless you are of the right wing persuasion then reverse the above.)
sussex_guy2k2
Well-known member
- Jun 6, 2014
- 4,064
I’m really interested in politics and have always loved an informed political debate.
The problem I’ve found, particularly since Brexit, is that most people in this country can only think in extremes. “Ahhh, you’re a communist”, or “ahh, you’re a Nazi”.
I blame social media, in the main, and the fact that many will allow themselves to be blinded by fact, simply because they hold one prejudice or another.
So the best response generally, is to not get involved. I find that the only person who loses out when I do, is me.
The problem I’ve found, particularly since Brexit, is that most people in this country can only think in extremes. “Ahhh, you’re a communist”, or “ahh, you’re a Nazi”.
I blame social media, in the main, and the fact that many will allow themselves to be blinded by fact, simply because they hold one prejudice or another.
So the best response generally, is to not get involved. I find that the only person who loses out when I do, is me.