Americans Avoid Political Talk in Mixed Company Basics

Most people think that politics and business are not something you should bring up in a conversation in mixed company. In a poll conducted between 6/25/14 and 8/28/14, Pair (dating app to find the right person) posed the following question: "What do you usually talk about in a mixed (men and women) company?"

The topic of "vacation and resorts" was the choice of 69% majority, and for 31% of participants the preferable topic for discussion was "business and politics".

Participants numbered 55,470, and represented the following countries: the USA — 65%, Canada — 3%, Britain — 10%, Australia — 6% and other countries — 16%.

Modern authors Brett & Kate McKay, who run the blog ArtofManliness.com, encourage us not to talk politics, sex, or religion in mixed company. "A much better rule is simply to tailor your conversation topics to those you are conversing with. Talking about politics, religion, and sex with new acquaintances can be awkward; arguing with the same buddies you've been arguing with for ten years at your weekly poker night can be the highlight of the week," they state. Besides, it is not always a polite topic for conversation, as you have to be very sensitive towards other people's beliefs.

It is surprising that among women the support was mostly for the "business and politics" topic. They were 41% of females among those who answered "business and politics", and only 33% in the "vacation and resorts" answer.

Alex Cusper, Pair service analyst, explains that "Women need to feel that their opinion is also significant. When they shy away from political discussions, they not only do themselves a disservice but unwittingly model a culture of non-involvement."

Pair, a leading mobile dating service, regularly conducts research among its users. Millions of people from the U.S., Canada, Britain and Australia answer hundreds of questions every month. You can find more in our coverage of how to find the right people on a dating app and tips on how not to lose the right people you connect with. You may also be interested in how Pair keeps profiles genuine and information on controlling your visibility on the app. If you are interested in research on a particular topic, please contact us. Any reprint of the material should be followed by clickable links to the survey.