I live 30 minutes outside of DC. I manage to avoid most politics, and exist pretty much surrounded by the thoughts and stuff that actually interest and don't annoy me.
I talk to people. When people start going into politics/whathaveyou, I simply say, "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in talking about this subject." Most people respect that. The ones who don't? Aren't worth my time.
I don't watch the news, because if it's important enough for me to need to know about it, then I'll find out about it by talking with people, surfing the net, whatever. And, I'm far less likely to get a slanted opinion that way - or, maybe I get several slanted opinions, and it leads me into knowing more than the news would tell me. And, for the most part, I avoid really depressing news that doesn't actually serve a purpose other than depressing people.
If I know that a certain site is going to annoy me, then I avoid it. **shrugs** It's called being self aware and knowing that some people exist just to bring others down, and also being responsible for the kind of emotions/thought patterns that I allow in.
no subject
I talk to people. When people start going into politics/whathaveyou, I simply say, "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in talking about this subject." Most people respect that. The ones who don't? Aren't worth my time.
I don't watch the news, because if it's important enough for me to need to know about it, then I'll find out about it by talking with people, surfing the net, whatever. And, I'm far less likely to get a slanted opinion that way - or, maybe I get several slanted opinions, and it leads me into knowing more than the news would tell me. And, for the most part, I avoid really depressing news that doesn't actually serve a purpose other than depressing people.
If I know that a certain site is going to annoy me, then I avoid it. **shrugs** It's called being self aware and knowing that some people exist just to bring others down, and also being responsible for the kind of emotions/thought patterns that I allow in.