Kathy - I completely agree.  Did you really kick them out of your car though??  I'm gonna have to laugh if you did!

~Renae

Yeah....I shut down on those topics...It really does nothing but CREATE hostility when two sides have different opinions.

Renae- I sure wish I could have...but I was in their car, with no way out...... LOL :)

Sally- See, you're a wise soul :)

We are in a hard business, because this can even occur when you are in the car with a client.  I bite my tongue and remember that everyone has at least one good thing about them, I find it and cling to it to stay calm.  Find the one good thing close-out the rest and cling to it to stay in the car.

Kathy,

I can't resist talking about politics or religion...we can always agree to disagree with someone...and BTW, You can ride in my car anytime...or eat in my home!!! Thanks,   Fran

Kathy - My teacher mentioned several times in our class room when going to school to get licensed for Real Estate.

Never ever talk about politics or Religion, you can make or break a deal.

Awww shucks.....does this mean we can't talk politics?? ;)

I can just see you now "steaming" while being "trapped" in the realtor's car!  Did the thought cross your mind to open the door and roll out? :) 

Yeah...somethings are better left unsaid.  I never talk about politics or religion even with good friends and family.  We have to remember we can agree to disagree!   

Kathy

I'm with you; the mud slinging in politics drives me nuts.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Jane- Your advice is great for the after things have been said....but isn't it so much easier if we never have to be in that position :)

Fran- I knew I liked you.....what time is dinner :)

Robert-Sound advice, the problem is once people got their licenses they forgot it....... LOL :)

Janice-Ahhh shucks.....that made me laugh for sure. And how did you see me "steaming" were you next to us on the freeway....LOL :)  Seriously it just seems prudent to be careful as we don't want to "pi$$ off " someone we work or interact with. 

Now when are we getting together for lunch or that wine tour?

Tom-I wonder what would happen if all the Candidates, and all of us actually stuck to the issues, and didn't let emotion or "mud slinging" enter into it? 

I am so in agreement with you!  If we could just agree to disagree, and go on with business. I don't feel politics belong in the office, the grocery store,or at the gas station!  If you want to support someone, go to one of their rally's or something...Just don't be talking to me!

Totally off limits with consumers.  With other agents, couldn't care less. 

I can do a lot of listening without a word.

Sherry- A utopian world....love it :)  Now to bring it back to our world.....the Office should be used for work, our work of helping someone with their Real Estate transaction.  Cultural, Religious, and Political Diversity is alive and well in this country, and it would be nice if people actually didn't try to convince others on Politics. Let the Politicians do that....

You can ride in my car :)

Lenn-Another very wise soul.  What do you do with the people though that cannot "listen" without talking?  And that would include me if my blood started boiling enough........ LOL :)

Kathy - I typically don't get involved in Politics with other agents, loan officers, consumers, etc.  I spout off here though, I can't help myself.  Promise you'll still love like me when I do:-)

Jason- You're so cute.......  I would love like you no matter what....I think you listen with both ears, and only talk out of one mouth :) 

Everyone just wants to be loved liked :)

I have a good friend who is the polar opposite of me in politics.  We agree to disagree, respectfully. Otherwise we're pretty much in sync.  Unless it comes to our favorite American Idol...oh shoot, don't get me started :) !

Ummmm well...I don't think you'll be inviting me to ride in your car. I personally believe that religion and politics are a part of who we are as individuals. I cannot separate those aspects of who I am...just as I cannot separate my other personal likes/dislikes.

HOWEVER...and I think this is the biggie...I am not going to push my opinions on anyone. IF I am working with someone who does not agree with me...NOT A PROBLEM. I don't need everyone to agree with me. I don't want anyone to change themselves for me, and I'm not going to change myself for anyone else. I don't know how.

I do agree with you that it is extremely difficult to work with someone who won't shut up about something about which you hold the opposite opinion...sort of like listening to fingernails scratching a chalkboard. I'd probably kick them out (after a while) also. GBU!

Kathy I have run for political office more than once and actually got to sit on the City Council for six months.  I have learned to discuss politics and religion when it is appropriate and to stay away from it when it is not.  It is a hard balance and not everyone can do that.  But one thing that I always do is to not put someone else down because of their political or religious point of view.  The way to make sure that someone will not agree with you is to turn it into an argument.  Because no matter how right you maybe, or how great your points maybe, they will never agree with you once you have turned it into a battle.

Kathy, I don't discuss politics whenever possible.  I will let some people say things and just keep my mouth shut.  It is so interesting that 20 years ago you could discuss politics like grown ups and now people want to have a knock down drag out about politics.  Not worth it to me.  For me, it is my broker who is very vocal and cynical about politics - he doesn't know it but he offends me many times.  I do keep my mouth shut though.

Years ago I had customers in my car while waiting for a listing agent. When the listing agent showed up she had political bumper stickers on her car.  My buyers turned to me and said that they could never work with someone who supported that candidate. I was shocked and learned a valuable lesson that day.

To this day I won't put political signs on my lawn or on my cars.

Politics like sex are private.

I usually don't discuss politics - better off to keep your thoughts to yourself because it can get messy!

You're no fun, I wait till 'they' bring it up and then defend the other side.  Don't we all just love being in a relationship with another that thinks we are dead wrong!!  just kidding- it is best to kept it to yourself, unless of course you agree with me, then rant on baby!!  be good  cheryl

Sally- :) :)

Amy- It is always nice when people that are "Polar opposites" can agree to disagree nicely :)  If more people did this we wouldn't have so many problems.

Elizabeth-Thanks for the laugh with the first part of your comment :)  The part where you said you wouldn't "push your opinions on others" really is a biggie....the people who argue the most seem to be wanting to convert the other person to their way of thinking.  So for this I respect what you said.

George I read a Post you wrote 2 years ago, and you said almost the same thing :) That in itself is nice, you haven't changed this fundamentally.  And the last line says it all: "Because no matter how right you maybe, or how great your points maybe, they will never agree with you once you have turned it into a battle."  Now if more people would realize this I think we'd all be better off.

Audrey- Yea those knock down drag outs can get really old really quick......and it's a shame your Broker doesn't realize he offends others with his behavior.  I'm not surprised you don't say anything....but that's a heavy burden also.

Monika- thanks for sharing that story....and the lesson you learned from it.  That's a perfect training story !

Norma J.- My sentiments exactly :)

Cheryl- You are a riot :) :)  I can think of more fun things to do than to fight over Politics.

Some times sports fans have the same feeling when two people support different sports teams.

Hi Kathy, I was in the car with my mother the other day and she started in with her political opinion(opposite of mine) I took a deep "yup, things are sure a mess" and then sweetly changed the subject.  I will not get into it with people, but when I am home and the TV is on, I will comment and sometimes even yell at the ads, broadcasters, etc.

Listen quietly and remember not to remind that agent to vote. (The political version of "don't get mad, get even.) The heat of the political season is not the time to convert people to your views. If you run across one of those 3 people who haven't made up their mind yet, you might try some of your great sales skills on them, but it's unlikely you'll find such people this late.

Gita-What a great analogy......my son and my daughter like different teams and that's pretty interesting.  In fact the team my son likes, the Raiders, well we all know those fans can get a little fanatic :)  Yep, very good analogy Gita thanks.

Christine- Sounds wise to me, especially with your mother.  My mother and I are on different sides of the fence, but for some reason we actually agree on many things :)  Maybe because we talk about the issues, and not the Party, or our own personal agendas.

Ann- Oh wise soul.......I loved it "The heat of the political season is not the time to convert people to your views!"  yes, I loved your whole comment!

Kathy ~ I try to stay away from those topics also. If I know that someone is clearly opposed to me I will happily agree to disagree than argue with them. 

BTW: Speaking of being overly subjected to political campaigns, I was interrupted by a door to door campaigner during dinner last night. They seriously wanted to have a discussion with me while my food was getting cold. Let's just say that it didn't well for them, as I almost let the dog chase them into the street.

I agree.

Everyone has the right to their own opinion BUT if it is different than my views and they are in my home or car they better keep it to themselves.

I actually told someone to leave a little dinner party because they were "forcing" their views on me in my home.

Hi Kathy,  I have been alive for many presidential elections, it seems that in the past few years so much emotion and negativity has creeped in. 

It used to be that you could have discussions and disagreements and still get along.  I miss that.

It would be great if we had a candidate that was looking to bring the US back together again.

United we stand.

All the best!

Ryan- I can't even imagine someone trying to push their view at dinnertime.....don't they know a hungry man doesn't make for a very pleasant companion LOL :)  We don't have door to door people for the National Campaigns, only the local ones.

Penny- Talk about an uncomfortable moment.....especially depending on your other guests point of views.  I will allow a discussion with "friends" to a certain degree, but it has to be kept respectful, and each has to be emotionally mature enough to be able to disagree respectfully.

Kevin-Me to Kevin, and it does seem that in the past several elections that things have gone from bad to worse.  I prefer if all the special interests groups let the candidates carry their own agenda, and speak on the issues, and not for them.  That is one of the biggest problems I see.......

Kathy ~ I am not so sure that they were a national campaigner. Frankly, I didn't give them enough time to get that far. They asked which party I planned to vote for and I told them that I prefer not to disclose. At that point my dog came to the dog and barked at the woman and she figured out that it was her time to leave. And yes, it is a bad idea to talk to me when I am hungry :)

Kathy, I simply tell people I'd rather NOT discuss politics.  Some will respect it, some won't --  I won't take part in debates on it but I'd turn the music up...WAY UP!!

Kathy -- that said, in my earlier comment, I do think that this election is so important that I have a candidate's bumper sticker on my car for the first time in 12 years. oBAM--AA, as my grandson says. This one's for him (and his younger sister).

Ryan-It's so nice to see you again....oh and I am shaking my head at that lady :)  I can just see her scurrying away as you shut the door to go back to your dinner :)  Hey, any chocolate chip cookies for desert LOL :)

Carole-But wait friend, doesn't that loud music also ruin MY karma...... LOL :)  so, no Politics with you either...hmmm wonder what WILL I talk about next time I call.......(smile)

Ann- This really is a Historical Election.  And if any of our self imposed rules were to be broken, this would be the time :)  Your Grandson says it cute.......:) 

Like I said I absolutely am not afraidto stand up for my beliefs, I just am afraid I might not shut up :) :)  I have friends on both sides, and I prefer to keep them as friends when the election is over.  Even today I was PO'd reading some of the slanted Posts here in the Rain...some more verbal than others, but written as if everyone believed, or should believe the same way.........disgusting if you ask me!!!

OMG Kathy, I get myself in to deep discussions all the time about politics and religion. As the broker I have to be careful and we usually agree up front that if it gets heated we call it quits. It is interesting to exchange dialouge about the candidates. In the case of religion, although I am very convicted of my beliefs and noone is going to shake them I am open to try to understand why someone else believes what they believe and how they came about that belief system.

In our office we have the league of nations. I'm sure that most religions are practiced. One of the keys is that I never shove my religion or belief down anyone's throat. There is respect.

Now politics with my brother-in-law that is a whole other story. Those discussions actually get out of hand. I love it.-:).

Have fun, life's too short,

sincerely,

Bill

Hi Bill- One thing that is important in any discussion is emotional maturity.  From what you have stated you are able to start a discussion, but mutually end it if it starts to get out of control.  But seriously how many do you know that can't?

The conversation with the Brother-in-law sounds like an old fashioned debate......heated of course, but where you two are still friends at the end of the night :) 

Kathy, this topic looks like it has already been well aired, but I just couldn't help laugh and post.  Your candor is refreshing.... And just for the record, I wholeheartedly agree  J

Why Thank You Ray......a good laugh is perfect for a Friday evening :)

I will NOT discuss politics. I feel too discouraged, afraid & continuously pray to any listening Beings to assist our wretched world in endeavors of PEACE and Understanding... As for 'religion'... if anyone wants to debate or argue, we'd better be playing paintball. (and sorry you has such an uncomfortable experience--- I think it was a week for fireballs to get thrown in every direction).

Mara- Hello there.....Paintball....hmmm does that hurt?  That might not be a bad idea, stick everyone that wants to argue in a paintball place and let them go at it LOL :)  Yea, getting along, and trying to understand someone else's opinion is a little more mature than some of the current climate for "debates".  I like what Bill said....about trying to understand why someone believes something......

But then again the Why could get my emotions boiling again :)  I really am quite opinionated, and I know my friends overseas would be darn proud to know I learned Diplomacy :)

Kathy, you cracked me up. :)  You reminded me of myself ... first trying not to get emotional about it, and then they say something, and you blow up; you get louder, and louder, and you open the door and kick them out ... ok, you stop first, and then you kick them out... :)
(Yes, I could see myself doing that...)

And as long as my parents aren't in the room, I am almost always willing to discuss religion (as long as it's not the one I don't practice - don't tell my parents).

Kathy:  I can't talk politics with my best friend.  I have the same reaction. I try hard to be a social chameleon when my clients bring the subject up.  Don't want to upset anyone.

Kathy - been there done that still trying to walk the fence, change the subject when it comes up unless I know we share the same view point.

Kathy your amazing that you can remember that I wrote something like that two years ago, because I have a hard time remembering with I did or said two day ago ....... LOL

George....look at tomorrow WIR...it should bring back some memories :)

I have been politically active for many years.  I get a percentage of my business because of the political contacts on both sides of the isle.

I do know better than to bring up politics under most situations.  You will not win friends and influence people.

Kathy~ I learned a long time ago that discussing politics or religion will usually end up in disagreements.  It really depends on the people having the discussion and how level headed they can remain, which  it would be unusual that both remain level headed.  I always remind myself that the world would be a boring place if everyone thought the same!   

When people want to talk politics I tell them I'm Canadian. If they want to talk religion tell them I'm a Druid. So far it has worked out well.

Carol  NovaStar  Alexandria VA

Carol, you cracked me up ... unfortunately, that won't work for me (the politics part, anyway). :)

I love hearing from the wrong side...maybe it makes them made...as for me, I love to see them sqirm.

Carol -

I have fairly strong political views and very strong religious beliefs.  After a closing recently my client practically insisted I go to lunch with him, and I had a minute to do so.  We talked about religious ideas and such for over an hour.  It was a wonderful lunch.  I basically couldn't have disagreed with him more, but he is a really great guy and I love to learn.  I absolutely LOVE hearing peoples opinions and beliefs on a personal level, but the simple fact is very few people know how to seperate their emotions from it.  Now when my brother-in-law starts speaking politics I want to jam ice picks in my ears.  :-P  Thanks for sharing!

Bill Farragher (Exit First Choice Realty) - I read your comment after posting this - seems like we would have really grea times together ;-)

I agree that politics is off base when it comes to business.  My biggest challenge has been when clients make unbelievable racial remarks when in my car or on a showing.  It is very difficult to deal with that.  Although I feel passionate about some issues, I do try to keep an open mind.  I try to put myself in the other person's shoes or at least understand where they are coming from.  However, when it comes to racism that is another story.

Business and politics don't mix, but I would think a friendly conversation between a broker and agent would be pretty normal.  Talking about their views, why they believe what they do.  Each one could probably learn a little about the other and what makes them tick.  I think the problem arises when you have people who aren't LISTENING to the other.

Oh Kathy, good timing on this post. I AGREE 100%; DON'T mix politics and religion. Since the beginning of time, these subjects have always made people on "different" sides of the fence, get UGLY.

Randy- Good point that there is a time and a place for any Political discussions :)

Vickie- The world would indeed be a boring place :)

Carol- so you are a Druid Canadian LOL :)  When I was overseas and people wanted to kill us I said I was Canadian.,...they liked them better :)

Sylvie- OK, you will have to find a different Country to be from :)

Gary- Ahhh you have a little devil in you do ya now :)-

Steve-although I am not Carol.....you are right about most people not being able to separate the emotional part from their beliefs and there in lies the problem :)

Joan- Racism is absolutely a different story.  One is an opinion, the other can be a violation of law.

Janna- So right you are...and when people are emotionally charged they don't listen!

Kat- Loved how you said it....yes people can get downright uguly when trying to convince others of their view !

This was a great post.  I have had this issue with my step daughter but since I love her I just smile and tell her,,,,,But I am a republican.  Then she leaves me alone...She is young and enthuiastic, and brite and opinionated.  It is just the wise thing to do to keep it to yourself and Not, Not, Not speak politics ever, in business, or family gatheriengs as far as I am concerned.

Jane- I remember being young...opinionated was certainly the norm :)  Your idea of keeping your views to yourself sounds good to me :)