Mike
2007-11-19 14:34:38
Civil conversation is possible only between two or more civil people. If one or more participants in a conversation do not know how to be civil, or do not wish to be civil, the conversation can be politely ended with a comment such as, “Thank you for your thought-provoking comments. I will have to think about them for some time to formulate a proper reply. Now how ’bout them Dawgs! (or Aggies, or Huskers, etc.)
Changing the subject might not work with a truly argumentative individual. In that case, pretend to start coughing and excuse yourself from the vicinity.
Later, you can let the air out of their tires, forcing them to exert themselves to regain the status quo ante.
