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Any advice

(11 Posts)
Norah Sat 27-May-23 17:41:06

Don't bite.

Talk about neutral topics - as: gardens and colours looking nice, pets and their funny attributes, clothing for summer, holidays, children at the shore, food/cooking in summer, birthday cake.

LRavenscroft Sat 27-May-23 17:37:23

Talk about the garden and ask if they have had any nice meals out recently. If they try to get you into a political discussion tell them you don't have the time anymore to follow the news as you are so busy doing the garden or whatever. If you talk about trivia they will soon pick up the message. You can always say if they comment on your beige conversation that you have both mellowed in your later years.

Katie59 Sat 27-May-23 17:24:42

My brother a sister have differing views, they live in the US she is Democrat, he is Republican and don’t speak. Solution is easy don’t take sides and see them separately, so that’s what we do

HeavenLeigh Sat 27-May-23 16:36:24

I’d change the subject, I wouldn’t enter into any political subject and tell him I’m here to enjoy the 60th and hoping we all have a great time, I think your brother is being very immature trying to start a disagreement,

DiamondLily Sat 27-May-23 16:32:05

Just change the subject. Politics are individual opinion, nothing more.

Luckygirl3 Sat 27-May-23 16:11:32

I have a friend (I mistakenly typed fiend at first - maybe I should not have changed it!) who is politically slightly to the left of Atilla the Hun. When he makes remarks I change the subject.

Hithere Sat 27-May-23 16:05:23

1. Remove yourselves from the situation when subject comes up
Or
2. This is not about the bday or the visit, it is about the lack of boundaries

Tell your sister clearly politics is not a subject to be raised
If she does, trip and visit is over for you

Depending on her reaction:
1. Yes, I want to have a nice visit and I won't do it
2. Your sister fights back and complains or denies she does that

If 2, i would cancel the visit

Hetty58 Sat 27-May-23 15:44:49

(you're)

Hetty58 Sat 27-May-23 15:44:16

It's the same with a friend - so I just refuse to discuss politics with her. She always says something, so I reply 'Well, your entitled to your opinion but I really can't be bothered to argue with you' - then I change the subject.

Madgran77 Sat 27-May-23 15:37:54

1. Reply "Oh really!" Say nothing else regarding the remark. If more comes just Ahh or Oh I see or Mmm with a thoughtful expression!

Alternatively just look at him and say nothing. Or say Anyone want a cuppa ...

In other words just dont rise atall.

NannyB2604 Sat 27-May-23 15:27:36

In a few weeks DH and I are going to spend a weekend at my brother's. My sister will also be there. My brother and sister hold VERY different political views from DH and me (won't say in which direction), partly because weve all followed different life paths. The problem is, when we meet my brother throws out provocative remarks, waiting for us to bite. We don't usually, as we want to keep a friendly atmosphere and not get into an argument (we all live in different parts of the country, so don't meet up very often and we don't want to spoil the weekend). As a result, I'm really not looking forward to the weekend. Any tips on how to get through it? It's my sister's 60th so hopefully we can all make it through unscathed.