Dear Prudence,
How do I stop the lectures? Whenever I spend time with my daughter or her friends (she’s in her thirties) when she hosts get togethers, I seem to be subjected to lectures on topics ranging from parenting to environmental issues. I find some topics especially loathsome, as I am a recognized expert in the field in which I am being lectured.
I have been surrounded by five of her friends who proceeded to attempt to bully me into agreeing to their uneducated viewpoint. Any gentle reminders that I am a published author of peer-reviewed papers or assertion that their viewpoint does not include validated scientific data degenerates immediately to name-calling.
I love a good discussion or debate; however, these “conversations” usually consist of me standing there listening while they expound ad infinitum. My attempts at input are shutdown. Do I extract myself immediately when they take a breath for air? I’ve used the “oh, look at the time” excuse. I’m not looking for recognition … just a change in topic or more relaxed conversation. It would be so nice to talk about the weather.