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AIBU?

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Original poster

To avoid all family gatherings

63 replies

GainOfFunctionTories · 06/02/2026 22:15

Due to all DP family being vocal supporters of Reform?

I can’t cope with another minute spent with any of them. It’s the same every time - the conversation gets quickly back to how great they think Farage is etc etc. we have teenagers and I just don’t want them exposed to these kind of people. I was hoping it might calm down a bit but they all seem very political at the moment.

OP posts:
NotAnotherScarf · 07/02/2026 08:59

Can you not say like I do when we stray into politics as a family... "Come on we're here to enjoy ourselves, let's not get serious... what did you do for your birthday ma?" And change the subject... perhaps getting firmer and saying " no I don't want to talk about something we all agree on. It's pointless". I know you don't agree but it shuts down the conversation

ThankYouNigel · 07/02/2026 08:34

Have you asked them if you could generally avoid such chats (eg political, religious, etc) during family meetings ups to create a more relaxed atmosphere by sticking to less contentious ones (TV, films, holidays, sport, etc)?

Fifthtimelucky · 07/02/2026 08:30

How old are the teenagers? I might take a slightly different approach with 13/14 year olds than with 18/19 year olds.

But in general I agree with those who say that trying to shield teenagers from these views is not helpful. They will be exposed to them elsewhere and it is better to discuss them at home and to explain calmly why you find them abhorrent.

Original poster
GainOfFunctionTories · 07/02/2026 08:25

PersephonePomegranate · 07/02/2026 08:11

I understand you not liking it (and I wouldn't eitger) but sheltering your kids from unpalatable views is not helpful - they need to think for themselves.

Far anything groups thrive on the idea that they're censored and it gives them traction.

Show quote history

I do see your point it’s just really such a horrible feeling being around them when it’s talked about. Obviously they are aware of Reform but it feels intimidating when we are with them so if they need to learn about all political parties I’d rather do it in a controlled way in balanced conversations at home.

OP posts:
PersephonePomegranate · 07/02/2026 08:24

I understand you not liking it (and I wouldn't either) but sheltering your kids from unpalatable views is not helpful - they need to think for themselves.

Far anything groups thrive on the idea that they're censored and it gives them traction.

PersephonePomegranate · 07/02/2026 08:11

GainOfFunctionTories · 07/02/2026 07:56

It makes me feel very uncomfortable they want to include them in it all like they want to recruit them / brainwash them and I really dislike it

Show quote history

I understand you not liking it (and I wouldn't eitger) but sheltering your kids from unpalatable views is not helpful - they need to think for themselves.

Far anything groups thrive on the idea that they're censored and it gives them traction.

Nomedshere · 07/02/2026 08:06

We have nothing to do with dh's siblings for that reason. They are always protesting outside hotels and being repugnant.

Original poster
GainOfFunctionTories · 07/02/2026 07:58

It’s been since all the flags went up everywhere I don’t know if they were feeling lost somehow but it’s given them a real sense of misguided identity.

OP posts:
Original poster
GainOfFunctionTories · 07/02/2026 07:56

PersephonePomegranate · 07/02/2026 07:52

You are not unreasonable to want to distance yourself because you find their opinions vile (and boring if that's all they talk about), but not wanting to 'expose' your teens to opions you don't like is silly and dangerous.

It makes me feel very uncomfortable they want to include them in it all like they want to recruit them / brainwash them and I really dislike it

OP posts:
PersephonePomegranate · 07/02/2026 07:52

You are not unreasonable to want to distance yourself because you find their opinions vile (and boring if that's all they talk about), but not wanting to 'expose' your teens to opions you don't like is silly and dangerous.

TheActualQueen · 07/02/2026 07:51

No, it’s not about that it’s about racism.
I wouldn’t want to spend time with them either op. YANBU.

Original poster
GainOfFunctionTories · 07/02/2026 07:49

ScarlettSarah · 06/02/2026 22:33

YANBU - they sound a bit grim, especially if it's all they'll talk about.

What does DP say?

Not much anymore after a few attempts to ask them which of Reforms opinions and policies were going to help them in their lives and with their issues he gave up as apparently ‘it’s not about that’ 🤦 He is the only one who doesn’t have the same opinions and according to them is ‘under the thumb’

OP posts:
ScarlettSarah · 06/02/2026 22:33

YANBU - they sound a bit grim, especially if it's all they'll talk about.

What does DP say?

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