Between election fallout, constant political news, and the occasional public controversy highlighting our country’s ongoing crawl toward social justice, it’s hard to keep quiet. At the same time, just because people are shouting doesn’t mean you should, too.
There is a way for you to engage smarter, especially when you know how and when to leave a conversation altogether. Here are six conversation hacks that’ll save you from a political battle. (See also: 4 Financial Reasons to Keep Your Political Views Private)1. Excuse (or recuse) yourself
There will be times when you are too close to the topic to see crystal clear. Let’s say someone tells you that the Congressperson you voted for has duped you. No one wants to feel like a rube, so naturally, you would want to argue why that is not the case. Stop, and take a deep breath. People say, “a hit dog will holler,” but if you don’t holler at all, you’ve withheld the thing that person wanted: the satisfaction of getting a rise out of you. By ignoring the prompt to engage, there will be an unbearable awkward silence, and someone will change the subject.
What you can say
“Hey, as a [blank], I think you know what I think about [topic]. I’d love if we could talk about something on which we agree and enjoy our time together.”
“If your goal is to convince me that you’re right about [topic], that’s not going to happen today. I’d appreciate if you respected my views.”
“I’m a little too close to this subject to fight fairly on this one, so maybe we can just exchange some articles online and consider each other’s views privately?
”2. Find the source and de-escalate
Figure out why the fight is taking place. Is this a repeat of another previous argument on a hot-button issue? If so, then whoever initiated must not have felt heard the first time. Acknowledge that and work toward a goal together. Is this fight about basic facts that can be proven? Remember that facts matter. If the person you’re speaking with does not have evidence to back up their claims, this argument will go nowhere. Does someone just want to feel more informed than you? That’s an arms race that will only lead to a damaged relationship. Give them the opportunity to share their information and thank them. Understand where the other person is coming from and take a moment to go back to the start and make a common goal.
What you…
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