Taylor Swift: Avoid Comparisons and Use Zingers
No need to compare Taylor Swift to past icons, as it will only lead to arguments. Instead, steal some zingers from the latest TIME profile and move on to the next topic. It’s hard to respond to “She’s the last monoculture left in our stratified world.”
Just Stop Oil: Paint Extremists as an Outlier
When discussing the silly highlights of the news, describe the extremists as the outlier of an otherwise important organization. It may not be strictly accurate, but it will shut down the conversation.
Rishi Sunak: Agree on the Future
If your parents find the same things annoying about the current PM as you do, just agree that he’ll be in San Francisco next year and move on. Who cares about his too-short trousers or liking Taylor Swift?
Timothee Chalamet: Share a Funny Episode
Avoid generational comparisons when discussing Chalamet. Instead, share one of the best episodes of The Graham Norton show featuring him and other stars. They’ll be impressed and ready to check out his latest film.
Star Wars: Bond Over ‘Empire Strikes Back’
When faced with the fact that they are still making Star Wars, there’s little to say. Instead, bond over watching the classic ‘Empire Strikes Back’ and admit defeat.
Ed Sheeran: Admit Mutual Confusion
If you don’t get Ed Sheeran either, simply admit it. There’s no need to delve into a discussion about his music.
Prince Harry and/or Meghan Markle: Focus on Approach, Not Purpose
Avoid turning this into a rant about how you can’t say anything these days. Instead, highlight that it’s the way they’ve gone about highlighting the issues with the monarchy that you find distasteful. Don’t forget to mention that Kate and Wills wouldn’t necessarily be better if they left the palace.
Barbie: Deflect with Slash’s Involvement
If they bring up Barbie and its supposed brainwashing effects, deflect by revealing that Slash plays the guitar on ‘I’m Just Ken.’ This may lighten the mood and move the conversation away from the feminist rhetoric debate.
The Election: Enjoy the Predictable Outcome
With this election, you can avoid getting into heated discussions about ideology and Brexit. Instead, enjoy the predictability and feel free to make light criticisms of Keir Starmer. Christmas spirit and agreement are key here.
