Biting my tongue

lasposa425

How do you all deal with keeping quiet at holiday family gatherings when the discussion turns to politics and you are fundamentally opposed to almost everything being said?  I'm pretty good at ignoring and attempting to change subject but it's getting harder to keep quiet about things that I feel strongly about (eg gun control).  I try not to open my mouth because I know I wont be able to stop and I just want to keep the peace during the holidays (classic middle child trait .  Any advice?  Should I just come on here and vent?

CinemaGoddess

Venting here is fine.

MommyLiberty5013

I sympathize with you. My sis and I and BIL have different view points. We generally avoid it, but at recent visits we have ended up chatting. I think we realistically understand that neither one of us is going to alter the other's point of view and in our discussions we always keep it somewhat light-hearted. The other important thing to note is to not ever insult a person for their views, but to only provide facts or to differ from the perspective and not to create division on a personal level.

Instead of flamming someone out and calling them names or even saying, "that is the biggest load of crap I've ever heard," try providing opposite views that stick to the issue, "Well, have you considered this information...XYZ?"

The other thing to consider is how frequently you see and or speak to these people. If it's twice a year, it's probably best to hold your tongue. But if you have a regular relationship with them, I think you should be able to interject some comments.

Sis and I talk weekly so she and I debating nicely isn't odd for us. We respect one another way beyond any social or political views.

chiualover

CinemaGoddess:

Venting here is fine.

And drinking there.

Also, I play a game where I think what I would love to say.

It works. Although I have been known to laugh out loud,

then I have to explain. But I have now made that part of the

game. I get extra points for thinking fast.

CinemaGoddess

chiualover:

CinemaGoddess:

Venting here is fine.

And drinking there.

Also, I play a game where I think what I would love to say.

It works. Although I have been known to laugh out loud,

then I have to explain. But I have now made that part of the

game. I get extra points for thinking fast.

Also, standing right next to the food and if someone say something stupid, shove food in your mouth so you can't respond. 

Of course, this may cause you to fall into a food coma within 30 minutes.  Sometimes less. 

lasposa425

CinemaGoddess:

chiualover:

CinemaGoddess:

Venting here is fine.

And drinking there.

Also, I play a game where I think what I would love to say.

It works. Although I have been known to laugh out loud,

then I have to explain. But I have now made that part of the

game. I get extra points for thinking fast.

Also, standing right next to the food and if someone say something stupid, shove food in your mouth so you can't respond. 

Of course, this may cause you to fall into a food coma within 30 minutes.  Sometimes less. 

Ha! this has been what i've been doing... I think i've gained a few pounds already