Night Elf Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 How do I get my mom to stop talking to me about politics?? She is driving me nuts. We used to talk 4 - 5 times a week for at least a couple of hours at a time. But it seems that since the election, she spends more time talking politics and less on our usual fun stuff. I never know what to say to her. Mostly, we have the same political views but she rants and raves about a lot of stuff that I just don't want to talk about! I no longer look forward to our talks and that's incredibly sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 (edited) You just have to tell her you'll discuss the kids, the weather, recipe ideas, etc. anything BUT politics. Be firm. Be matter of fact. If she doesn't stop, tell her you have to go. Then get off the phone. Seems harsh, but she will catch on. Worrying so much about the news and politics is not good for one's health. See Katy's thread when she took a news break. ETA: The link to the thread and to Patty Joanna's post. If you can't convince your mother not to concentrate on politics for the sake of her health, perhaps that thread and post will help you protect your own health. :grouphug: Edited February 13, 2017 by Angie in VA 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 'I am taking a break from Trump. ' (or insert whatever political thing ) and then stick with it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theelfqueen Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 "Oh, I did hear about that... did you hear about (innocuous other topic)?" or ask for advice on something off political topic (how did you make those amazing potatoes the other day? what kind of bird food did you use to attract the blue jays? Ask a question for her to answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyS Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 "Mom, you have 1 minute to give me all of your political ranting for today. Then you're done. If you talk political I will hang up. Feel free to call back when you're done with politics for the day." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted February 13, 2017 Author Share Posted February 13, 2017 I might try the direct approach. I just don't want to hurt her feelings. It's just weird. It ends up being such a one-sided conversation. She hasn't picked up on subtle cues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importswim Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 This sounds like everyone in my life right now save my husband. Sigh. I have no advice, other than to directly ask to talk about something other than politics. If she hasn't picked up on the subtle clues then you may have to go that route . :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 Have you tried simply saying, "Hey, Mom, I really need a break from politics. Can we talk about something else?" 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 I have a similar issue--Mom and I pretty much agree...but I am just sick to death of talking about it. Blood pressure up, time-available down, for accomplishing nothing. I let her rattle on a bit, but then she stops for breath and I just change the subject. It's taken about a year but she has the general idea now. I don't want to tell her to shut up but neither do I want to rattle on, myself. So I limit it and then, "How 'bout them Broncos?!" :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 (edited) I have a sil who wants to talk politics. her son is so far in his extremes and pushing them down other people's throats - people are starting to shun him. (I do think how obnoxious he is - in other areas as well - played in his wife filing for divorce last year. she was the breadwinner.) other sil recently sent a "I watched pollyanna growing up, and I only want to see the good things .blah blah blah." I got cc'd on it - and wondered why/rolled my eyes. don't know there is much you can do other than when she starts - say, I'll talk to you later and hang up. she might not change - but she will get the message this is a closed subject. eta: I'm not interested in talking politics much even with my family who does (especially now) - I also have at least one who doesn't want to talk about any of it. I respect her to have that right. Edited February 14, 2017 by gardenmom5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 I, also, think you should be direct. Set a clear, firm boundary - "Mom, I don't want to talk about this right now, it just upsets me" - change the subject, and if she persists, hang up. "Great talking to you, but I don't want to discuss politics. I'll call you again tomorrow. Love ya!" This may not be the nicest way, but it is probably the most effective. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 (hugs) To me, this is a tricky balance. Your mom may need to vent but sometimes too much venting isn't good. You want to be there for your mom but too much is too much for you too. I think within each individual conversation be ready to say "I've had enough politics for today why don't you tell me about XYZ?". That way she can vent a bit but it doesn't take over. Just my two cents. I lost my mom when I was young but I do have a widowed sister that I have a similar situation with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 I'd be honest. You can tell her you're stressed out by politics everywhere and don't want to discuss it. Then if it comes up, tell her you need to pee and hang up. Or something. ;) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 I set a no politics boundary with my sister years ago. Best thing ever. We enjoy each other much more now. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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