DEAR MISS MANNERS: Being a Washingtonian, I inevitably have to discuss politics with anyone from the mailman to my boyfriend’s parents, whether I want to or not.
At dinner with a few families, I was asked directly whether or not I thought a politician should be fired due to a specific incident. I was both astounded that I was asked so directly, and embarrassed that I didn’t have an opinion. Truly shocked, I fumbled for a response. I knew very little about the matter, as I had been traveling and working long days, with little screen time to catch up on news.
Is there a polite and genuine way to relay that I don’t feel informed enough to have an opinion without sounding rude or ignorant?
GENTLE READER: Do you not realize that when people badger you for your opinion, they only want to make sure that it agrees with theirs -- and are planning to badger you more if it does not?
You may skip that by giving them the opportunity to sound off, which Miss Manners suggests doing by saying, “I haven’t made up my mind. Tell me what you think.”