With Election Day just weeks away, we're all just one conversation away from hearing, "So, who are you voting for?" But before a casual get-together turns tense over politics, it’s worth remembering that while everyone has their opinions, sharing them at the wrong moment can quickly make things awkward or even lead to arguments. The good news? A little politeness can help keep things light and friendly, making it easier for all of us to get through these next few weeks without unnecessary drama.
Avoiding Politics at Work
In professional settings, etiquette calls for keeping conversations focused on work-related topics. Here’s how to keep things civil.
Redirect: When someone starts discussing politics, try shifting the conversation by saying, “Can we talk about next week’s meeting agenda instead?” This polite redirection changes the topic and can lead to a much more productive conversation.
Practice a Go-to Phrase: My favorite line is, “Oh, I have an opinion, but I’m not sharing it at work.” This phrase lets the other person know that you are engaged in current events, but you have the good sense and manners to bring it up at work.
Refer to a Policy: Most workplaces have policies discouraging political discussions at work. You could humorously give a reminder by saying, “So, YOU’RE the one HR has been warning us about.”
Handling Politics with Friends and Family
Navigating heated discussions with loved ones requires extra care. Here are a few tips for socializing with those you don’t see eye to eye with this political season.
Set Ground Rules: If you expect a mix of strong opinions, consider a preemptive strike with a quick text: “Let’s all agree to skip the politics tonight and just enjoy ourselves!”
Think Big Picture: Before going headfirst into a debate, ask yourself, is it worth risking a good relationship? Sometimes, it’s best to let a comment slide for the sake of harmony.
Bait the Hook: Know how to shift the conversation when tensions arise. What’s something your campaigning conversationalist loves to talk about more than politics? Their grandkids, latest vacation, or even their ex-boyfriend? Bring it up and let them have at it.
Avoiding Politics Online
The internet is where political opinions thrive and sometimes wreak havoc. Here’s how to keep cool.
Posts Don’t Convert: I can’t think of a time when a comment on social media has convinced me to switch my vote. If you’re tempted to engage, ask yourself if what you’re about to write will really change anyone’s mind.
Your Reputation Matters: Who is in your online audience, your boss, friends, potential clients? Keep your messages positive, and think twice before you post.
Scroll and Snooze: Don’t want to engage? Keep scrolling. If you’re tired of seeing someone’s political posts, use the snooze or mute feature to reclaim your feed.
What If We Can’t Help Ourselves?
Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we can’t resist talking about politics. And honestly, it’s not always a bad thing. Talking about meaningful topics can build deeper relationships as long as it’s done with respect.
Don’t Make Assumptions: Speaking as someone whose politics aren’t exactly the most popular where I live, let me tell you, don’t assume you know someone’s views based on where they live, where they go to church, or even the car they drive. People can surprise you.
Be Curious, Not Confrontational: If you decide to, approach the conversation with curiosity, not confrontation. Ask questions, listen actively, and remember that winning isn’t the goal. It’s to understand.
Don’t Make It Personal: Stay focused on the issues, not the individual. Criticizing someone’s beliefs can quickly feel like a personal attack, and that’s when things tend to go south.
I hope these little nuggets of etiquette wisdom help you navigate this election season while keeping both your professional reputation and personal relationships intact. Good luck out there!