Is it normal to have difficulties taking about serious topics?

71% Normal
15 Comments

I tend to be a rather meek person, so whenever people talk to me about things like politics, religion, ethics, etc., I tend to freeze because every other time I've tried to discuss these things with people, they end up screaming their opinions in my face with no end in sight. I dread it every time a discussion about politics/religion/etc. (which seems to be every day, several times a day) comes up because I know that if I don't smile and nod, I'll probably end up engaging in an entirely nonproductive screaming match with someone who thinks that bumper-stickers, slogans, and soundbites from the news constitute the foundations of a valid socio-political ideology. The first sign of incivility and I clam up.

Voting Results
71% Normal
Based on 17 votes (12 yes)
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Comments ( 15 )
  • wistfulmaiden
    9 years ago

    I used to love small talk. Now I really see the up side of duct tape.

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  • RoseIsabella
    9 years ago

    I wouldn't say that I freeze up regarding those sort of topics, but rather that I've mellowed, because it's not worth getting all riled up about how other people feel. It's fine that I can't change someone else's ideas and opinions about politics and religion. They sure as hell ain't gonna change my ideas and opinions either. I'm powerless over other people and their bullshit.

    I'm more interested in whether or not someone is animal person than what political party they belong to nowadays. Finding out if someone is a dog or cat person and what their favorite pure breeds are tells me a lot about them. I myself am bipetual, and my Siamese knows basic dog obedience. Just talking to someone regarding their attitudes and beliefs about animals in general tells me a lot about them; it can make or break a person for me.

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    • Avant-Garde
      9 years ago

      I like the way you think. :) You might find this study interesting: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/29/cat-people-dog-people-intelligence_n_5412245.html

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  • Ebola69
    9 years ago

    I freeze up when anyone brings up Jesus.

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    • Avant-Garde
      9 years ago

      So do I. I've got no problem with them being Christians. It's the inevitable questions as what my religious beliefs are, that scare me.

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  • Avant-Garde
    9 years ago

    I know what you mean. Talking about series topics with others scares me. There's always the chance that someone is going to get offended. Some people do crazy things when they get offended and its scary. (People have actually been killed over arguments!)
    I've gotten into enough screaming matches about religion (in the past), to know that it doesn't make a very good conversation piece. Even when I'm talking to someone who seems pretty cool about differences in religion, I always feel like I'm walking around eggshells and I'll actually censor myself.

    It's same with politics. Many people seem to hold politics as closely to them as their beliefs. Where I live, if you're an Republican, you're the plague. That is not okay. It's an either you're a Republican or an Democrat. I'm neither of those. I'm 3rd party. I don't like talking about politics with people, because I never know if they will get mad upon learning that I'm not in their party. That's enough to start an argument with some people. It doesn't matter if I haven't told them my political beliefs yet. (etc.)

    So, yeah, I feel that it is much safer to talk about small things with people than big and serious. It's a shame that we have to live like this.

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  • chained_rage
    9 years ago

    Sometimes I like to put sugar in my coffee. Just to stir things up.

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    • RoseIsabella
      9 years ago

      I gave up sugar in my coffee for Lent, but I use grade B maple syrup instead.

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      • wistfulmaiden
        9 years ago

        I gave up swearing for lent. Just ask me how it's going!

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        • RoseIsabella
          9 years ago

          It's going fucking awesome!
          :-)

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          • wistfulmaiden
            9 years ago

            Fuckity fuck

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            • RoseIsabella
              9 years ago

              Indeed.

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      • chained_rage
        9 years ago

        What is Lent? At least you know how you like your coffee =(
        My coffee can be bitter, sweet, bittersweet, milky, black, blilky...
        I suck

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  • thegypsysailor
    9 years ago

    I'd say a new circle of acquaintances is in order.

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  • [Old Memory]
    9 years ago

    haha the coiled spring, same

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