If the person is a relative or someone you can’t avoid, make sure to keep conversations short and talk about mundane things. Talking about the weather is acceptable.
Either disagreeing or agreeing can be inflammatory, so staying neutral is a good way to not fan the flames.
If someone started arguing when you were working, even better. Don’t look up and keep working, making sure to focus on the work and not them. Appear busy.
For example, if they say, “Animals have no souls”, then you can say “Animals, huh? They are cute. In fact, I have the cutest parrot named Bob. Bob loves talking! Have you ever heard a parrot talk?”. Make the transition smoothly. If they try to change the subject again, don’t try to change it back. Just say, “Well, I’ve got to go. See you” or appear very tired/bored.
