I want to preface this little light-hearted listicle with a bit of a disclaimer. I firmly believe social issues should be a topic of discussion in our society. As citizens of planet Earth and of whatever country you abide in, we should have a desire to be informed about the world around us and how politics are possibly affecting that world.
If you live in America right now and have access to the Internet or don't live like Patrick Star, you are probably not a stranger to the massive tornado of crazy that is our current presidential election. I think out of all of the political seasons I have lived to be a witness of, this presidential election is one of the most thought provoking, (and debate provoking) and at times, insulting to the American people's intelligence, I have ever seen. For starters, we have a presidential candidate who literally bragged about committing sexual assault and there is still a massive group of people who support him. (And he's still, you know, a candidate for one of the most respected and demanding jobs in the world. If I said what he has said, I'd lose my job at T.J Maxx, but here we are, America. Here we are.)
When it comes to these issues, we need to speak up for what is right. We need to demand a standard of respect. We need to boldly confront misogyny, sexism and racism instead of continually sweeping it under the rug. This listicle does not want anyone to be silent on the issues they care about and have passion for. However, at times, the election season can really have a negative impact on your mental well being. Hearing people debate constantly, seeing your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds turn into an opinion battleground, and hearing all of the latest scandals on the news regularly can make a negative impact. One of the most frustrating aspects of this "season" for me, is when people choose to break out the political topics at dinner or family gatherings. We know we disagree Aunt Barb, but let's go ahead and bring up that highly controversial piece of discussion and expect harmony and love to be the end result. In a perfect world, it would be wonderful to be able to discuss personal opinions at length without anyone becoming upset, and at times that happens and it is always intriguing to learn more about how the people close to you think. However, at times concern and passion turns to heated debate, and it can become a little more ugly than intended. Balance is key, so here are twenty-five delightfully random things you could discuss at the dinner table instead of politics.
1. The weather 
I mean, it's basically won a Nobel Peace Prize in the small-talk category.
2. What is on everyone's Christmas list.
Get two birds with this one. Avoid conflict, and learn what your cousin wants under the Christmas tree.
3. Sports
Unless of course you live in Oklahoma and half of you are Cowboys and the other half are Sooners. In that case, you're probably much safer discussing Hillary vs. Trump. #gopokes
4. Cake vs. Pie
Be careful with this one, some people are pretty loyal to their dessert of choice. Still probably a safer bet than political debate.
5. Cats or dogs?
Is your grandma a crazy cat lady or a dog person?
6. Crunchy or creamy peanut butter. 
Better yet, throw in almond butter into the discussion if you really want to see people get wild.
7. What is your favorite way to exercise?
Unless you have crossfitters in your family. Then just stick with politics. (Totally kidding.)
8. Coffee or tea? 
Secretly know if you should get your sister a Starbucks card or the latest tea diffuser from Teavana. (Even though they're now owned by the same parent company.)
9. Gardening
That's peaceful right?
10. Favorite radio station
Maybe the genre might surprise you.
11. What's your favorite Sonic drink?
Here's looking at you, large Ocean Water or Cherry Limeade.
12. Ice cream vs fro-yo vs. gelato. 
Let the battle of the creamy dessert treats begin. Then let's go get ice cream. ...or fro-yo or gelato. Bonus points for learning their favorite toppings.
13. Favorite Netflix or Hulu shows.
This is valuable information.
14. What were they like in high school?
I'm already laughing/cringing inside. Can I skip this round?
15. Napoleon Dynamite
Because you can talk about whatever you feel like, GAH. The point of the movie was that it had no point but it still had a major point, OKAY?
16. Highs and Lows
Ask every person what was your best part of the day and what was your least favorite part of the day. Yay for encouraging emotional expression.
17. Almond milk or regular.
Just kidding. Don't ask this one. You'll probably sound really weird like me. Also, my parents are very passionately against non-dairy choices.
18. Where do you go first when you go to the mall?
Are you a boutique or food court person?
19. Favorite fast food restaurant
As American as you can be without discussing the presidential election.
20. What are you dressing up as for Halloween/Fall Party?
I put fall party because I wasn't allowed to celebrate Halloween as a kid. I know, judge me.
21. If someone could give you one random act of kindness today, what would you want it to be?
Aw.
22. What did you want to be when you grew up vs. what did you end up doing?
Okay so this could be depressing. Enter with caution with this one.
23. Who would play you in a movie about your life and why?
24. What is your favorite dish on Thanksgiving?
Once again, valuable information.
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