DEAR ABBY: I don’t know how to respond when someone I know socially says they have just come from a political event for a candidate I detest and can’t believe this person would favor. I don’t discuss politics, so why anyone mentions something like this disturbs me. I don’t want to say, “That’s nice,” and have them think I approve, but I don’t want to show my disgust and provoke an argument. Any ideas? -- DISCREET GUY IN THE SOUTH
DEAR GUY: If you prefer to avoid the subject of politics, just say, “What ELSE are you doing these days?” Smile when you say it and it shouldn’t be offensive.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
