Is there a way to get my soon-to-be mother in-law to not talk about politics so much when I am around her?

Question

I did not grow up with the values that politics is important. I have recently made my own decision that it is somewhat important but in the scheme of my life, not on the top of my list. It seems that every time I am around my mother in law she always talks about the election and what he or she is or is not doing. I really could care less to talk about these things with her as our opinions vary greatly and I feel like she wants to argue with me (not something I want to do at the dinner table.) Is anyone else in this situation and how do I politely change the subject and let her know that I would prefer not to talk about these things so much because we disagree?

Answer 1

Have you tried just changing the subject? Try talking about something innocuous, like the weather, or the sale they're having at the mall, or the flowers in the park. If she keeps changing it back, then I would find a minute when things aren't so charged, and tell her, politely, that you do not wish to argue with her, but that your views are very different. Tell her that you were taught, and feel, that it's generally best not to talk politics and religion in public, and you feel you would get on much better if she could keep the political talk to a minimum when you were around.

Answer 2

I would say that you can take a few different routes with this.

You could politely interrupt her and explain to her the reasons why you dont want to discuss politics with her, letting her know that you are glad she is so interested in it, but still emphasizing that there is probably better things you can talk about.

You can politely excuse yourself from her area during her rantings and find something else to do.

You can sit there and listen with no response (pretend like you are spacing her out- bothers the crap out of people)

You can sit there and answer her questions with answers from a different conversation. Such as if she asks who you are going to vote for next presidential election you could say something like I heard the gas prices are going to be stable- or whatever but then answer all of her questions following the conversation you started. If she gets angry you can let her know that politics is not a subject you wish to get into and attempts for her to realize it up until thus far has been unsuccessful. Tell her that politics are not your thing, but if she wants to talk about something eklse, you would gladly participate in that conversation.

Or- the childish route would be to get up, say "cant you just shut the heck up for once" and storm out of the room. I suggest that you dont do it- or get into an arguement over politics.

I feel that there are a few subjects we as humans will never ALL agree on at ALL times. I stay away from those conversations with others for those reasons. Race, religion, politics, and sexual orientation are the ones i steer clear from.

good luck!

Answer 3

Well, if you "like" this woman other than when she talks politics, be honest with her and tell her how you feel. It's better that you do this now, than after you marry into the family. How about this. Excuse me, not to be rude, but not only do you and I differ in our opinion on politics, It isn't really one of my favorite subjects. So if you don't mind I would appreciate it if you don't bring up the subject every time I am around, okay? If she asks you what it is the two of you don't agree on, tell her you don't really wish to talk about it, and as you said before, "no offense." That's what "I" had to do with my ex-mother-in-law! She got a bit miffed, but she lived through it, and respected me more in the long run for it. Hey, good luck.