Rules for conversation in the dining room!

[BigKeith]

Just reading a thread on the Carnival board. One CCer asserted that the following should never be discussed when meeting new companions in the dining room:

Religion
Politics
Abortion
Economy
What you paid for the cruise
Weight
Opinions on what other people like to eat

I must say I disagree with these 'rules'. I've mostly always had great table mates and I feel most of these points can be discussed without a full blown row kicking off and people feeling offended. I have my opinions on all these things but I wouldn't argue with someone who disagreed with my point of view. It's just a shame not everyone can be so tolerant and mature.

Looking at them one by one

Religion - one of my favourite topics to discuss and something I think a lot of people feel comfortable about. I'm a Protestant and love hearing about how people of all different religions think and how they worship. My knowledge of Judaism has greatly increased from discussion with table mates

Politics - most of my table companions have been Americans which I think makes this one easier. Saying that, vie never had a political debate with British companions, just adhere to the golden rule of 'never ask'. I like talking to Americans about politics though, if they want to share their ideology then I'm very open to that. Furthermore, Im interested to know more about what the Supreme Court actually does and how the US and states have different laws

Abortion - can safely say this one has never came up. Should it? I know it's a much bigger issue in America but seems a weird one to put on there. Are gun laws allowed to be discussed?

Economy - something a lot of my conversations have been based on. When you learn someones job it seems natural after a while to ask them how their industry is faring (more so now). Or perhaps how the recent crash has effected jobs where they live, some may feel uncomfortable but being on a cruise suggests they aren't exactly in poverty.

What you paid - a lot of running jokes about the British and doing this. I must say, this isn't something that interests me so I've never asked anyone. I usually forget how much I've paid aswell, i just know I'm enjoying myself to the max!

Weight - I'm a big guy, in my circle of friends we have a lot of jokes about my size 'hey big guy' and it doesn't particularly bother me. Im trying to shed a bit and will keep going. I'm very happy to talk about my weight and how I'm trying to get it down, I do understand some don't like this however so wouldn't bring the subject up

Opinions of what others like to eat - a strange one i think. A lot of people not necessarily goodies tend to talk about what they like to eat and perhaps talk about their local cuisine. Again, it's all about opinions, i don't go on about it if someone doesn't like something

What do you think?

Big Keith

[cuyahoga11]

I do not discuss religion or politics with people I know let alone strangers.

[1025cruise]

My father-in-law and my wife's grandmother have a difference of opinion with regards to politics. I have no desire to listen to them fight it out. Therefore, it is not a topic I will discuss with anyone. I also don't feel it is anyone's business what I paid for the cruise, so if asked that question, I would clearly state NYOB.

There are just certain conversations that don't need to be had with people you have just met.

[BigKeith]

Originally Posted by cuyahoga11

I do not discuss religion or politics with people I know let alone strangers.

I understand that and can see the subjects aren't for everyone and if that was your choice I'd respect that.

But let's say, one night after a few meals we were talking about our countries and I said "I've always thought it strange but, how come it takes so long to elect a President". Would you feel uncomfortable answering that?

[newbiecruiser09]

I have no problems Talking about religion or politics as long as it stays talking and does not go down the road of bashing, criticizing or one upping others. I love to learn about other religions and people's thoughts on politics/governments as long as eveyone respects each other's opinions and rights to have those opinions (which is where the wheels usually come off the bus!)

[sail7seas]

After a great many years of travel and loads of cruises, we've found great success by avoiding discussing:

politics
sex
religion
money

Those seem to be the hot button topics best avoided when meeting new people.
We've had very congenial tables when sidestepping anyone who raises those subjects.

[navybankerteacher]

On Navy ships, where wardroom officers got to know each other a lot better than a group of random tablemates on a cruise might, there was a widely accepted rule that politics, sex, and religion were not to be discussed at meal time.

[kitty9]

Why would anyone take the chance of starting a fight over what are such personal topics? Abortion? Are you kidding me? People have been killed over this topic and has no business in conversations with strangers. I've been involved in political discussions with travel companions from across the pond, and it always degenerates into name calling and accusations. My religious beliefs are no one's business.

The safest topics involve travel, cruise ships, shore excursions and basic generalities. I certainly would feel the need to change tables if one of my tablemates would have the gall to ask my views on abortion and religion.

[SantaFeFan]

Originally Posted by BigKeith

Just reading a thread on the Carnival board. One CCer asserted that the following should never be discussed when meeting new companions in the dining room:

Religion
Politics
Abortion
Economy
What you paid for the cruise
Weight
Opinions on what other people like to eat

I must say I disagree with these 'rules'.

Religion - one of my favourite topics to discuss and something I think a lot of people feel comfortable about.

And I disagree with you on this. If you were sitting at my table and you started talking about your "favorite" topic of religion, you would get a very icy reception from me for certain. I have zero interest in discussing religion with people I don't know. Your views and opinions on religion are totally worthless to me. The same applies to politics or abortion. I couldn't care less what you think about these topics. And I simply don't want to ruin my dinner by finding out I'm sitting with people who I might consider idiots for their misguided or unrealistic beliefs.

The economy is fine for conversation. Same with what people paid for their cruises, which I would find interesting rather than upsetting, even if someone paid less than I. That is because I consider myself a realistic person and know full well that what a person paid depends on many different factors. I would appreciate knowing the different factors that led to lower fares with the hopes that I could take advantage of them in the future.

As to what other people like to eat, this would drop into the gossip category. Although I don't particular care to participate in such a conversation, I would find it more boring than annoying or upsetting.

[BigKeith]

Originally Posted by newbiecruiser09

I have no problems Talking about religion or politics as long as it stays talking and does not go down the road of bashing, criticizing or one upping others. I love to learn about other religions and people's thoughts on politics/governments as long as eveyone respects each other's opinions and rights to have those opinions (which is where the wheels usually come off the bus!)

My thoughts entirely

[I_heart_vaca]

I think the rules are to err on the side of caution when talking with those you don't know. Most of these topics are hote buttons and people have passionate opinions one way or the other. I enjoy intelligent conversations with open minded people - open minded as in willing to talk and discuss diffences of opinion, not open minded as in I can change their mind). Talking to people who think anyone who disagrees with thier opinion is an idiot, not so much fun.

So I would take a day or two and get to know your tablemates before delving into a deep hot topic. Or play it safe and talk about the wonderful places you have seen or will see. No need to offend or ruin your vacation or thiers.

[luddite]

I don't wanta hear about recent surgeries, bowel movements or diaper changes.

[BigKeith]

Originally Posted by SantaFeFan

And I disagree with you on this. If you were sitting at my table and you started talking about your "favorite" topic of religion, you would get a very icy reception from me for certain. I have zero interest in discussing religion with people I don't know. Your views and opinions on religion are totally worthless to me. The same applies to politics or opinions on abortion. I simply don't want to find out I'm sitting with people who I might consider idiots for their beliefs.

The economy is fine or conversation. Same with what people paid for their cruises, which I would find interesting rather than upsetting, even if someone paid less than I. That is because I consider myself a realistic person and know full well that what a person paid depends on many different factors. I would appreciate knowing the different factors that led to lower fares with the hopes that I could take advantage of them in the future.

As to what other people like to eat, this would drop into the gossip category. Although I don't particular care to participate in such a conversation, I would find it more boring than annoying or upsetting.

I wouldn't say I go out of my way to bang on about my religion but I find it an interesting topic. I don't purposely push any of these types of conversations. I like most people love talking about ships, excursions and ports of call. I have been in many situations though where I've heard people criticise Clinton/Bush/Obama. Whilst I have my views I am civil enough not to push my own ideas and love listening to other peoples perspectives and opinions. My opinions on religion might be worthless to you, but unlike you I enjoy learning about other peoples perspectives and beliefs (as long as they're comfortable to discuss). You may not wish to find out if you're sat with 'idiots for their beliefs', however I am not so judgemental.

I accept that talk about food doesn't interest you, we're all very different. Im thankful for how much I've learnt about wine from table mates and also interesting food knowledge to increase my understanding

[BigKeith]

Originally Posted by I_heart_vaca

I think the rules are to err on the side of caution when talking with those you don't know. Most of these topics are hote buttons and people have passionate opinions one way or the other. I enjoy intelligent conversations with open minded people - open minded as in willing to talk and discuss diffences of opinion, not open minded as in I can change their mind). Talking to people who think anyone who disagrees with thier opinion is an idiot, not so much fun.

So I would take a day or two and get to know your tablemates before delving into a deep hot topic. Or play it safe and talk about the wonderful places you have seen or will see. No need to offend or ruin your vacation or thiers.

Very wise words. You sum it up well in your second paragraph

[boogs]

Originally Posted by I_heart_vaca

Talking to people who think anyone who disagrees with thier opinion is an idiot, not so much fun.

And that is exactly why these topics of religion, politics or people's rights as in abortion should not be brought up. Everybody has been in a situation where they have been so annoyed with what someone is saying that they had a very negative opinion of them. That's human nature. No sense in sparking those sentiments in people you will be sharing a table with for several days. Lets keep it simple and non-controversial.

[SantaFeFan]

Originally Posted by BigKeith

I wouldn't say I go out of my way to bang on about my religion but I find it an interesting topic. I don't purposely push any of these types of conversations. I like most people love talking about ships, excursions and ports of call. I have been in many situations though where I've heard people criticise Clinton/Bush/Obama. Whilst I have my views I am civil enough not to push my own ideas and love listening to other peoples perspectives and opinions. My opinions on religion might be worthless to you, but unlike you I enjoy learning about other peoples perspectives and beliefs (as long as they're comfortable to discuss). You may not wish to find out if you're sat with 'idiots for their beliefs', however I am not so judgemental.

I accept that talk about food doesn't interest you, we're all very different. Im thankful for how much I've learnt about wine from table mates and also interesting food knowledge to increase my understanding

We are all judgmental in our own ways. While you might not judge someone's religious beliefs, you might judge someone's beliefs that it is acceptable to kill animals for their fur, or to allow loaded guns onto campuses, or to use every opportunity to avoid paying taxes. It is much safer, considering how different each and every one of us are, to keep on topics that we obviously agree with, such as travel, cruising, etc. We have all had our moment when we considered someone an idiot for some outrageous comment or action they have made. We may only differ on what those comments or actions are.

[BigKeith]

Originally Posted by SantaFeFan

We are all judgmental in our own ways. While you might not judge someone's religious beliefs, you might judge someone's beliefs that it is acceptable to kill animals for their fur, or to allow loaded guns onto campuses, or to use every opportunity to avoid paying taxes. It is much safer, considering how different each and every one of us are, to keep on topics that we obviously agree with, such as travel, cruising, etc. We have all had our moment when we considered someone an idiot for some outrageous comment or action they have made. We may only differ on what those comments or actions are.

I honestly think I can get on with almost anyone. Disregarding extremes, Ive met lots of people I don't share political, religious, gun wielding, fur wearing or tax paying views with but I don't judge them simply on that. Don't go putting me down as some highly opinionated person who tries to be controversial. I just thought it was strange to list these things after my experiences of meeting so many interesting people who spoke about such subjects

[Warmer Climes]

Let me share my experience with table mates who also enjoyed "interesting" topics of conversation. Every evening, after a pleasant day on the ship, our table mates criticized my country. Ok, I do not want to argue about anything on my vacation and I don't care what other people think about international politics. I was taught that polite dinner conversation involves topics that are not controversial and requires participation that is neither monopolizing or silent. I guess these people enjoyed introducing these topics to our table of 10, but I did not.

I guess my husband enjoyed it less- after a few nights he refused to go to the MDR.

So stick to "safe" topics at dinner on the ship. Or please...don't sit with us.

[cb at sea]

Jeez...we've NEVER had to "filter" our conversations....mostly stuff like, where do you usually vacation...is this your 1st cruise...where do you live...what do you do...what are you doing in port tomorrow....etc.....general stuff! Then, the conversation takes it's own path! Found out some of our tablemates lived right next to our son when he was living out of state....small world!
You really can't think too much about this stuff! You talk to tons of folks....most you'll get along with just fine!

[Azulann]

On my first med cruise Sept 2008, every person I met from Europe, Canada, Britian, South Africa, Australia, asked me "Do you think Obama will be elected president"? They were so curious. We had wonderful conversations about politics and the different ways of governing. This was usually in the bars or around the pool. I was amazed how much they knew aobut our elections.

At dinner the conversation was about the ports excursions, past travels, where we live, history, our professions, and always some good jokes.

I always meet the most interesting people while on vaction of any kind. Have made many friends over the years and we still keep in touch.