Is political talk off limits for you with friends/family?

Question

I’m not looking for any political debates here but I’m curious if it’s an “off limits” topic for some of you. We have some family friends that we grew up with as kids and it’s kind of funny how politics just CANNOT be discussed amongst all of us or serious arguments will break out. Not friendly debate, arguments because most people feel quite strongly about why they believe what they believe.

So if you’re well aware that a friend/family member/coworker, etc is opposing your beliefs politically, is that an off limits thing if it ever came up? Just agreeing to disagree? Or can you debate or have discussions with no biggie?

For us, I know we personally lean one way as do most of our friends. However we have a few people who lean the other way. And it’s just a topic that cannot be discussed or the friendship will end.

Just curious if anyone else has ever experienced this before. Your thoughts?

Answer 1

I do have a few in my family and friends who don't share my political views and we avoid the subject. They aren't going to sway my opinions and I'm not going to sway theirs, so what's really the point?

Answer 2

My wife and I have very different views on politics.  We are always talking about it.  Our friends also have opposing views.  It's ok to have discussions about politics as long as everyone can be friendly about it.

Answer 3

No, the only time you don't want to talk about politics is to close-minded people or people taht get angry fast. You cannot get too defensive or it might end up bad.

Answer 4

Sure. I have relatives who are so bigoted that they squeak!  I don't get into it with them.  Am done trying to change the world...just do what I can to accept life on life's terms.  You don't need to back down...just walk away and stay away...find more amenable friends.

Answer 5

no

Answer 6

Welllll.... I get offended sometimes when my husband, whenever he disapproves of some policy or opinion, invokes "the democrats". I'm like, hey, I'm a democrat! Now he uses the word "liberals" instead. So yeah, we have arguments sometimes... Not so much "arguments", as it is me being offended and getting upset - he's usually as calm as can be. I stay out of political discussions with his parents, as they are very conservative and I know we would disagree on a lot of issues - so I just don't get involved. If his dad wants to believe that Al Gore invented global warming, it's fine by me. Religion is another one of the "hot topics", so I stay out of this one, too.  

Answer 7

Yes. My husband is very strong in his beliefs and can debate (or thinks he can) until the end of time. He is very conservative and basically seems offended if someone is super liberal. As if, how can you be that way aren't you smarter than that? After one run in with my husband they all know not to bring up politics around him ever. It is funny. Most of my girlfriends are liberal and married liberal men. We all get along great but when that topic comes up, get the heck out of there.  

Answer 8

My husband and I are totally opposite politically (opposites attract!)

and we rarely discuss politics.  We agreed early on to agree to disagree.  Sometimes we talk about it, but we don't argue.

But I would never talk about it if we were both there with his family or mine.  I talk to mine about it.  I don't generally talk to his family about politics or religion!

Answer 9

See, I'm not closed minded, and anyone who has to argue their point of view to me is not really listening and only wants their view heard. Even if I don't agree with someone, that doesn't mean I can't listen and accept their opinion, even learn from their perspective and I never try to put my beliefs or ideas above others because we're all different and have different views of what's right and what's wrong and that should all be respected. My significant other and I have different views, he hates politics and the whole government and though I have strong negative views about how things are being handled, I'm still interested in politics and what's going on. We debate all the time, challenge each others ideas but never argue or put down each other for what we believe in. That's immature to me and completely not necessary. I accept everyone's ideas and opinions and I love getting another person's perspective because sometimes you just don't think of it that way. You should go through the world with an open mind. It's benefits you and gives you different knowledge of every angle of a subject. ;]

Answer 10

I only really disagree with my cousin on politics.  When we debate about it we get loud and very into it but in the end we always love each other and we can detach ourselves after wards.  Most people wouldn't be able to argue like we do without taking it personal though.

Answer 11

I can not discuss politics with my best friend/sister...turns into a argument - this is the same for religion with other people

respect everyone opinion - everyone has one

we agree to disagree and drop it then and there

some peole can discuss politics without emotion but there are so many heated issues that this is impossible at times.

if possible avoid this topic with certain people - change the subject