What Do We Talk About?
A thirty‑nine‑year‑old divorcee wonders what you’re supposed to say to strangers when everyone is naked and politics is always one sentence away.
Moderator’s note: Short and sweet. This is how a lot of posts start. Sam
By Pat_39
I am thinking about visiting a resort next month. I am thirty-nine, divorced, and I can make small talk with a brick wall. But I realized I have no idea what people actually discuss when everyone is naked. Is politics off-limits? Religion? Do I bring up the weather like a coward? What is safe ground?
My name is Pat. I am thirty-nine. I just want to know if I can ask someone about the election while we are both nude, or if that is how you start a towel fight.
Comments
Barb_Owner: Pat, politics and religion are not banned, but they are like garlic: a little goes a long way and too much clears the room. I have seen a lovely Tuesday afternoon turn into a shouting match because someone mentioned tax brackets in the hot tub. My advice? Start with the dog they brought, the book they are reading, or how bad the mosquitoes are this year.
David_52: I talk about food. Everyone eats. Everyone has opinions. You can argue about whether pineapple belongs on pizza for twenty minutes and nobody leaves angry. Try that with healthcare reform and see what happens.
Elena_20: I once had a two-hour conversation about composting with a naked retired engineer. It was the best afternoon of my life. You do not need deep topics. You need shared topics.
Rosa_68: Religion is personal. Politics is loud. Both will still be there when you put your clothes back on. The naked part is temporary. Do not waste it on arguments you can have at Thanksgiving.
Nigel_58: You talk about the weather. It is Britain’s greatest gift to civilization. It is neutral, endless, and requires no opinions. “Lovely day.” “Bit overcast.” “Suppose it will rain.” Master this, and you can survive any social situation.
Pat_39: @Nigel_58 I am from Florida. Our weather is just humidity and threats.
Nigel_58: @Pat_39 Then talk about the humidity. It is practically a religion there anyway.
Marcus_W: If someone brings up politics, my move is to say “I am here to give my brain a break from that” and then ask about their favorite spot at the beach. It redirects without being rude.
Aisha_B: I ask people how they found the place. Everyone has a story, and most of them are better than whatever is on the news.
Sam_Moderator: Pat, the fact that you are asking this question tells me you are already more considerate than half the people who show up. Talk about dogs, food, books, composting, or the sky. Save the heavy stuff for the parking lot. And Nigel, stop trying to make weather happen. It is not going to happen.
New entries in the Naked Voices thread go up every Tuesday and Friday. Read along in order to follow the whole conversation.
