Dear Jacquelyn,

It feels as if almost every conversation veers toward talk of the coronavirus. How can I politely change the topic to something besides the pandemic?

Dear Reader,

You’re not alone with that thought.

It does feel almost every conversation is about the virus. The constant news updates about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can feel overwhelming. We are all trying to stay informed yet we need to find time to tune out what is happening, at least for a few hours.

There are conversation topics you can turn to when you are looking to talk about anything but the pandemic. When discussions need a turn away from the virus, use it as a springboard to turn the conversation back to the person.

Use the opportunity to ask the person if he or she has learned a new recipe. Offer to share a great new recipe you have.

Ask if the person has read any good books lately. Share your latest good read. Even during non-pandemic times, talking about TV shows, music or books can be great fodder for conversations.

When you are engaged in a conversation with someone who won’t stop discussing the news, you can say you would like a break from that topic.

Honesty is always best.

Say, “I love talking to you, but can we talk about something positive instead?” People should feel comfortable enough to say, “I hear you’re anxious. I’m feeling anxious too, and I’m trying to give myself a break for a couple hours.”

It’s an understatement to say the coronavirus has changed life as we knew it. Life doesn’t look or sound anything like it did two months ago.

The fear that the pandemic has caused also brought something else: an opportunity for compassion. Even though it’s difficult to listen to someone who needs to talk to their way through it, it opens up the opportunity for us to empathize.

Remember, we’re all in this together.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2020 Jacquelyn Youst