How to Ask Someone to Stop Talking About Politics or Religion Around You

Oh look, a distraction! How about we talk about literally anything else?

Countless holidays and relationships have been ruined over disregarded boundaries and the inability to express what we all want at the end of the day: harmony.

See also:

• How to set boundaries

• How to say no

Start Here

Talking Points

• I appreciate that this topic is very important to you and you’re passionate about it. In fact, your passion is one of the things I love about you.

• We just will not see eye to eye on this topic.

• We will never agree on this topic.

• You’re not going to convince me, I’m not going to convince you.

• And while I do enjoy that we have the kind of relationship where we can have intense and spirited conversations without hurt feelings, I really don’t want to talk about this topic anymore.

• There are so many other things I rather talk about with you.

• <Redirect the conversation by asking them a question about something other than the topic that they are interested in>

• As much as I like getting into a good squabble with you, I don’t have the energy for it. Can we talk about something else?

• We’ve talked about this a couple of times, <name>, can we please not go there?

• I won’t engage in conversations about <topic> any further. Please respect that boundary to avoid hurt feelings for both of us.

• I value our time together, and I'd prefer to focus on the things that bring us joy and connection.

• We've covered a lot of ground on this topic, so how about we explore something new?

• I love our chats, but this one is getting a bit heavy for me right now. Let’s lighten it up a bit.

• I know this is a topic close to your heart, but I’m really not in the mood for it today. Can we pick another subject?

• Our conversations are always so interesting, but this one feels like a loop we’re stuck in. Let’s find a new path.

• I respect your views, but let's save this for another time. What's new in your world?

• I think we’ve both made our points clear. How about we talk about something fun instead?

• I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by this topic. Can we shift gears to something more lighthearted?

• This conversation is starting to feel like a rerun. Let’s switch the channel to something fresh and exciting.

• You always have such fascinating stories. Tell me about something exciting that happened recently.