Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

jamesatemple

(342 posts)
Sat Nov 10, 2012, 01:50 PM Nov 2012

Just color me "diplomatic".

I live in Texas, a hotbed of right-wingers. They are my neighbors, friends, relatives and myriad acquaintances. During the "Shrub" presidency (or lack thereof), I nearly lost a good friend over a heated political discussion. I resolved never to do so again.

My new method for disarming a potential "dust up" seems to work very well. Nearly everyone with whom I carry on a face-to-face conversation in this locale takes it for granted that I, like they, are Republicans and voted for Romney. I don't mention my support of my President; never call his name. But whenever they make some comment of derision or disgust with regard to the outcome of the election I put on my best smile and say, "I've got a great idea! During the next election, why don't you come over to my place? We can sit out on the deck with a good cup of coffee and have a great conversation. That will save us both time and gasoline by enjoying ourselves and not driving to the polls and canceling each other's vote!"

That suggestion states my position clearly, doesn't offend the other party, does put a rather puzzled look upon the other's face and, most of the time, shortens the conversation abruptly but politely. It's hard to get through a day without wanting to kill somebody (figuratively, not literally), but seventy years and the tutoring of a good wife will make a fellow seek less abrasive posture in dealing with folks.

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Just color me "diplomatic". (Original Post) jamesatemple Nov 2012 OP
I wonder how many people you could make that deal with before someone caught on. Arkansas Granny Nov 2012 #1
Not many, I suspect, Granny. jamesatemple Nov 2012 #3
Absolutely wonderful advice and you saved the best for last tech3149 Nov 2012 #2
Aw, dang the luck, tech, jamesatemple Nov 2012 #4
It might be a bit late on the response, but thanks tech3149 Nov 2012 #5

Arkansas Granny

(31,521 posts)
1. I wonder how many people you could make that deal with before someone caught on.
Sat Nov 10, 2012, 02:16 PM
Nov 2012

Seriously, that's good advice.

jamesatemple

(342 posts)
3. Not many, I suspect, Granny.
Sat Nov 10, 2012, 04:25 PM
Nov 2012

Still, such an approach seems to mollify the situation a bit. It's just a tad easier than un-ruffling feathers.

tech3149

(4,452 posts)
2. Absolutely wonderful advice and you saved the best for last
Sat Nov 10, 2012, 02:52 PM
Nov 2012

"the tutoring of a good wife" I only got to spend 29 years with one of the best women on the face of the earth, but I can't count the ways she helped make me a better person.

jamesatemple

(342 posts)
4. Aw, dang the luck, tech,
Sat Nov 10, 2012, 04:35 PM
Nov 2012

you made my eyes water with that very kind response. It sure takes a lot a time for a man to keep from "pulling at the bits", a lot of sayin' "I'm sorry", eatin' a bunch of "humble pie" and feasting on tons of "crow" but a good woman can finally turn a boy into a decent man. A mighty lucky man, that is.

tech3149

(4,452 posts)
5. It might be a bit late on the response, but thanks
Wed Nov 28, 2012, 05:12 PM
Nov 2012

I do consider myself a lucky man, a very lucky man since I was asked to keep her company while her husband went skiing with his current gf. I'm not sure I would yet consider myself a "decent' man, but I'm still working on it.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Just color me "diplo...