To avoid talking about politics or wages?

[ByFluentPombear]

I’ve always felt that discussing politics or wages - especially at work or in social settings - is more trouble than it’s worth. People can get defensive, it can create unnecessary tension, and honestly, I don’t think my views or earnings are anyone else’s business.

That said, I’ve noticed that some people find it odd or even suspicious when I choose not to engage. They act like I must be hiding something or that avoiding the topic means I have extreme views. But I just don’t see the point in having debates that usually lead nowhere or in revealing personal financial details that could invite judgement.

AIBU to think it’s completely reasonable to keep these things private? Or am I being too closed off by refusing to discuss them?

I wouldn't be bothered about wages but if the group were discussing politics and you didn't join in I'd assume you were a Reform supporter...

Totally agree - especially about politics.
I don’t want to engage at all about politics in a work setting and I find it really annoying that people are always trying!

Talk about things youre comfortable talking about, how could that be unreasonable?

I don't talk about salaries.

But talking about politics is important, I think. It gets to the nubs of who someone is and what kind of values they hold.

Fair enough if you don't want to talk about it. You don't have to if you don't want to. You just need to understand and accept the fact that a reluctance to talk about it may put some people off.

Or not interested in politics?

But talking about politics is important, I think. It gets to the nubs of who someone is and what kind of values they hold.

@IVFmumoftwo More this ^^

At work I agree. Also add religion and sexual preferences to the list of things I don't talk about at work!

AIBU to think it’s completely reasonable to keep these things private? Or am I being too closed off by refusing to discuss them?

For me I don't discuss politics and religion with anyone and certainly not my wages at work.

I recently was told by a friend that she doesn’t like talking about politics. However, her indifference is indeed suspicious and it is just a cover for the fact that she accepts or put a blind eye to the situation in her country of origin where people in politics are very corrupted and she benefits from this as her husband hang out with dodgy characters to make money. At the same time she acts like she cares so much about things like her identity and origins. She is an influencer and she basically goes with the ratings flow. She is also very careful about not being cancelled. I now think she is a bit disgusting and will stop my friendship as she is so fake and hypocritical with not god values. So yes of course sometimes people can be just covering their arses.
On the other hand I would 100 percent avoid to talk about politics with a Democrat. They seem like possessed and it is all so intense and scary to see. They can be violent and most are affecting their mental health in the process. In the U.K. you can’t talk to certain Labour types as it is their way or the highway so I avoid engaging as it is pointless to try to make your point. Specially when people already think if you are not a Labour voter you are thick or evil same with democrats really so better not waste my time with neither group.