The discussion about politics becomes very heated between two guests at a dinner party. The other guests are now becoming quite uncomfortable. Should the hostess intervene in any way or consider that among adults, any kind of discussion should take place? What to do?
2006-11-06 01:54:06 · 15 answers · asked by Jo 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
In my opinion the role of the hostess is to ensure ALL of her guests enjoy themselves. If two people get into a debate that begins to upset other people, I would suggest politely asking the participants to continue the discussion away from the other guests or to change the subject.
Or, if you want to be sneaky - simply walk over and ask to "borrow" one of them for a minute to help with a task - chances are once they return, the tone will have changed.
2006-11-06 01:58:38 · answer #1 · answered by ksmpmjoll 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
This is a very uncomfortable time. The hostess, or anyone can short circuit this discussion. Usually by using the art of diversion.
Some ideas:
"We're stepping out to the patio now where my son is going to do a magic show"
- Drop a glass & break it on the floor...make it appear to be an accident...ask one of the arguers to help clean up
If you have a Jay Leno type there, have them start crackin jokes
2006-11-06 02:00:25 · answer #2 · answered by Ted Jordan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Judge Judy Steve Carell Colonel Mustard Peter Parker Obama Santa Clause
2016-05-22 03:40:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes Jo the hostess should make sure that Politic and Religion are not discuss at the dinner table
2006-11-06 02:01:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always thought honesty was the best policy. Quietly approach them with "Your making some of my guests uncomfortable, maybe you could continue this conversation at some other time."
The other (if its 2 guys arguing, otherwise, make the neccessary adjustments) option is put on some tunes, you and another female friend just grab one each and dance with them.
Or find something you know they'll agree upon and mention it.
If they're talking politics, tell them you're a Lyndon LaRouche supporter.Run away.
2006-11-06 02:25:27 · answer #5 · answered by michaelsmaniacal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was my house or party, I'd step in and ask them politely to take a break from the debate and have at it later on their own time that and spark up a new topic of conversation about a movie everyone either has seen or would probably like to see, or bring up whatever is a common (and fun) topic for you and your friends at the dinner.
If they continue to argue, ask them to take it outside if they want to continue to argue their opinions in such a way that it disrupts the dinner party and makes everyone uneasy.
2006-11-06 02:00:25 · answer #6 · answered by lawngoose 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Come up w/ a real quick and witty remark like - "why don't you two take it outside" - humor often diffuses a situation. The other guests will be relieved and if the politicos want to continue they will know that they shouldn't be the side show at the party.
2006-11-06 01:58:39 · answer #7 · answered by workingclasshero 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. These can get out of control even if just verbally.
The best diffusion I ever saw of this was a woman that got right in between them and in a heavely faked southern drawl said.
"I do declare.. you boys get a bit heated up now don't you. You have me all in a flush. "
Was a good laugh for all and stopped the loud debate.
Quite tactful.
2006-11-06 02:00:03 · answer #8 · answered by Kaustaub 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The hostess should politely intervene and change the topic.
2006-11-06 02:38:25 · answer #9 · answered by sheeny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. A distraction helps. Try asking everyone someone at the table to help you with dishes. Any interruption of thier heated discussion may jar them back into reality.
2006-11-06 02:21:17 · answer #10 · answered by swtfreedom1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋