Q: Please list three tips for keeping conversations neutral when politics come up on a date?
A: TIPS FOR KEEPING THE CONVERSATION NEUTRAL
TIP #1: If you find yourself in the midst of a political conversation, get out of the conversation as quickly as possible. The easiest way to get out of political conversations on a date is to end the conversation before it starts. I suggest gently interrupting them and changing the subject. Mention something about the date—the restaurant, the ambiance, the menu, ask a question—anything!
TIP #2: Make the conversation positive. If your date is complaining about how the political race is going or if their candidate didn’t win, change things up—ask “What is going well for you?”. That adds a different perspective, continues conversation, and it is a positive and much lighter topic suitable for a date.
TIP #3: Say “I don’t really want to talk politics, I rather talk about you and your day”. This opens the floor for them, they feel appreciated, and you get out of discussing politics. Everyone loves to talk about themselves, so they’ll be happy to move on to the new subject you initiate.
Q: Is it ever okay to discuss politics on a date?
A: The subject of politics can unite a couple with common backgrounds and values. With that said, it is only OK to discuss politics on a date if you met at a place of political discussion or if you already know that their views are congruent with yours.
Q: How do you tell someone that you are on a date with that you don’t want to talk about politics?
A: Put the spotlight and focus on them. Say “I don’t really want to talk politics, I rather talk about you and your day”. This opens the floor for them, they feel appreciated, and you get out of discussing politics. Everyone loves to talk about themselves, so they’ll be happy to move on to the new subject you initiate.
Nicole Harris
CEO/Co-Founder of One Last Frog
curvesconnect 