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family issues-religion & politics

How do you cope when some family members have beliefs/views that are way different than yours?   I believe that religion & politics are subjects that should be left alone & kept private among family-I respect that we all have different views; I just don't want to hear them.  I usually don't bring up my beliefs with friends & family, if they do I usually change the subject, walk away, turn on my selective listening skills, whatever. 

 

I feel uneasy posting this so I might DD later.

 

 

 ETA- I deleted the parts that were specific to my situation, didn't want to DD the entire post b/c of some good responses.

 

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Re: family issues-religion & politics

  • I could have written this post myself. MIL always goads me into political/religious discussions and I do my best to steer clear. I've gone so far as to leave the house (my own house) when she won't drop the subject. I say "MIL, I've asked you not to talk about this, so I'm going to take a walk."

    After years of being dragged into debates and trying to defend my positions against her criticisms, I've just decided that it's better if we don't talk about it at all. I refuse to engage.
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  • I think all you CAN do is tell the person that you find some of his/her statements to be offensive.  And let them know that you understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but that you don't find it to be a positive thing for their relationship if they continue to try to discuss matters that you find to be very sensitive/touchy.

    It is up to that person to either be sensitive to your thoughts on not wanting to discuss these things or not.  If they choose not to, I'd distance myself.

  • I have the same problem with my in-laws. They are very vocal about their feelings about politics, religion, etc. I usually just keep my mouth shut and if they as my opinion, I give it and let that be that... I usually leave the room if the conversation gets to a point where I am offended or disagree with their opinions.

     

    Fact is I grew up in a completely different environment on the west coast, where things are more liberal then ohio... so I will disagree with alot of things people out here say anyways. I think I just pick my battles. Is it worth it to say something? If you feel it is, maybe meet with this person alone and let them know that what they did/say was offensive to you and that you would appreciate it if they did not say things like that in your presence... You care for them because they are family... 

     

    Does this help?

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  • Oh, I also have to add that I will continue to speak up when someone is saying something truly nasty.

    My dad's soon-to-be-ex-wife was a racist biotch and I ALWAYS called her out on using the "n-word," no matter where we were, especially when there were kids around. Some things I can't just let go.
    Charlie 8.06.08
    Baby GIRL EDD 5.21.13

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    image

    AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers

    2012 Races Heart Half Marathon 3.18.2012 - 1:51:01 (PR)
    Flying Pig Marathon 5.6.12 - 3:50:28 (PR)
    Leadville Trail Marathon 6.30.12 - 7:32:23 (not a typo)
    Esri 5K 7.25.12 - 21:57 (PR)
  • imageFuture.Mrs.Shawty:
    I'm curious about what the subject was....

     DD that part too.

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  • I deal with each on a case by case basis. with H's grandma who is of a religion that don't agree with at all, I avoid any church talk. When we go for Christmas this year I have made it very clear that I don't go to church for my grandma I will not go for yours either....If what someone is saying really starts to irk me, I tend to give a low blow. Like, I guess we should not be associating anymore because I am a child of the devil for not believing that bla bla bla. Then I walk away. It normally does the job. 
  • We have an uncle like this. We just try to steer clear, or ignore him when he starts talking. Usually if he doesn't get a reaction, he moves on.

    It does get quite unpleasant at times, doesn't it?

    GL!
  • I think it can be good conversation, if everyone is respectful.  I like to talk about serious things sometimes.  We actually had a pretty good family debate last weekend (all the inlaws in a cabin) about universal healthcare and college costs.  And I like the opportunity to hear other's viewpoints.  However, if people aren't being respectful then I will exit the conversation.

     I did not see the details though.  If someone is making insulting comments that is something different all together.  I still haven't figured out how to properly deal with random people making racist comments to me...I usually just say 'I disagree' and walk away.

  • imagedaves_sweetpea:

    imageFuture.Mrs.Shawty:
    I'm curious about what the subject was....

     DD that part too.

     

    OH MAN!!!  I MISSED THE RESPONSE!!!!!!!!! BOOOOO!!

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