How I Survived a Political Meltdown at the Chaiwala

So, my friend Suri and I were chilling at our favourite chaiwala, discussing everything from Bollywood gossip to the newest filter on Instagram. It was all fun and games until the topic of the upcoming elections popped up. Suri, who usually has the political awareness of a goldfish, suddenly transformed into a fire-breathing dragon, passionately defending his party's every move and ranting about the opposition's incompetence.

I, being the ever-diplomatic one, tried to change the subject, but it was like pouring oil on a fire. Samosas were flung, chai was spilled, and the poor chaiwala looked ready to call the cops. It was a full-blown political meltdown, right there in the heart of Mumbai.

I started to wonder why do people get so worked up about politics? And I came up with some answers.

1.??? Emotional Connection:?Politics often evokes strong emotions, from pride and hope to anger and frustration.

2.??? Social Pressure:?People may feel pressured to conform to the views of their social circle or family.

3.??? Lack of Information:?Misinformation and propaganda can easily sway opinions, leading to heated debates. And this is mostly the case.

4.??? Polarization:?The media and social networks often amplify extreme viewpoints, creating an "us vs. them" mentality.

But how do you handle this ?Political Meltdown? Over a period of time, I have discovered a few tricks. Mind you , sometimes, these smart tricks also do not work. But no harm in trying.

• Don't Engage:?Arguing back is like trying to reason with a toddler throwing a tantrum. It won't work.
• Change the Subject:?Bring up cricket, Bollywood, or even the weather. Anything to distract from the political hot potato.
• Know When to Walk Away:?If things get too heated, there's no shame in making a graceful exit.
• Use Humour:?A well-timed joke can diffuse tension and lighten the mood.
• Don’t allow political posts on your WhatsApp groups.

2024 Loksabha election results are out.There would be endless discussions on politics. So what do you do ? Life is short. There is no point in becoming a martyr for a political cause. Most sane advise-Just stay out of political mine field.