Hi! I just wanted to add my two cents, please keep me anonymous.
While it’s true that we’re all entitled to our opinions, there’s a time and a place for spirited debate. (Hint: it’s not when you’re trying to enjoy a coffee and a bit of harmless gossip.)
So, is it unreasonable to ask for a politics-free zone? Absolutely not. In fact, I’d argue it’s a public service. If we can have “no smoking” areas and “no mobile phones” signs, surely we can manage a “no politics” policy without society collapsing.
I've gone through the same thing during election season. I found that the trick is in the delivery. You don’t want to come across as the fun police, wielding a conversational taser every time someone mentions the president. Instead, try a gentle, humorous approach. Next time the topic veers towards the state of political affairs in the country, perhaps interject with, “Alright, that’s enough—let’s talk about something less corrupt, like reality TV.” Or, if you’re feeling bold, propose a “swear jar” for political talk, with the proceeds going towards your next round of coffees (or, more realistically, a bottle of wine for you to recover with at home).
Or, just bring it up in the group. Explain that you miss the lighter chats and that you’d love to keep politics to a minimum, just for the sake of everyone’s blood pressure. You might be surprised how many of your friends feel the same way but are too polite (or too exhausted) to say so.
From: Don't Want Trouble
