Three ways to dodge a conversation you don't want to have: say "I agree that's an issue" to stay neutral, use "I don't know" to kill momentum, or flip it back with "I'd prefer to hear about you" and make it about them instead.
How to avoid an unwanted conversation. Number 1, use the phrase, "I agree that's an issue." If they're pushing a controversial opinion onto you, "I agree that's an issue." You're not saying you agree or disagree because the truth is people who push controversial topics aren't really as concerned about an answer. They just want to find out whose team you're on. It's like talking about sports to them. So you stay above that when you say, "I agree that's an issue." Number 2, don't give them what they want. Instead of feeding the fire, you just take the oxygen from it. You say things like, "You know what? I don't know." Or, "You know, I'm not sure. I don't know. I hear you. I'm not sure." Whenever you give these things and stay neutral in the conversation, they'll move on. And number 3, use the phrase, "I'd prefer to hear about you." I prefer to hear about you, how you're doing, how things are. It works because nobody objects to you changing the subject to hear more about them. So try that and follow me.
