My 80something aunt keeps sending me political emails. I never talked politics with her before, so she doesn't know that I don't think along the same political lines that she does. I've been deleting all of them so far, but was wondering if I should tell her that I don't agree with the emails and not to send them. I don't talk to her all that often and was thinking I'd should probably keep my mouth shut. What would you do?

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 06:45 pm:

I'd suggest that you keep your mouth shut. It would just hurt her feelings, and since you don't spend much time with her, why take that road.

Of course, you could always send her emails with stuff in them that you agree with - particularly if it relates to older adults. You might get quite an exchange going.

I think that if she is 80something and sending emails about anything, she must be quite something.

By Emily7 on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 06:54 pm:

I agree with Ginny, I wouldn't say anything. It is easier to just delete, than to possibly hurt her feelings.
80 & on the net, that is pretty good. My 50 year old mom has a difficult time, but then she can't program the VCR either. LOL

By Mommmie on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 08:14 pm:

Oh My Gosh! I was just talking about this to my mom! I have a co-worker sending me emails too and for some reason she thinks I am the same political party that she is. I'm not! This lady is 67 years old and would have a very strong reaction to me if I told her. She's be defensive, mad, embarrassed, shocked, all at the same time. She'd also never speak to me again. Well, she stopped talking to me for over a year because I wouldn't let her store her stuff in my cramped file room and I think this would be worse.

Anyway - I thought I'd wear a t-shirt with my candidate on it to work. Or else tell the firm administrator about it (non-work emails are really not allowed) and have her stop all the emails. I can't be the only one on her mass email list who doesn't think like she does.

I am also getting emails from some family members. It's so funny they assume I think like they do. I haven't said anything yet, but I will at some point. They'll be able to handle the news. I think.

My mom and I think alike and we just shrug our shoulders. It's funny and weird and irritating all at the same time!

By Mommierenee on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 08:40 pm:

I would not say anything! She probably sends them out to everyone. Just think of all the crap we have to delete from our inboxes every day. What is one more going to do?
Also, I get political jokes & other political information from people all the time. It doesn't mater to me if they are the of same political affiliation as myslef. Some of them are funny, no matter which party it's about & as for the other types of info, I enjoy hearing the "other sides" also!
That's just me, but I wouldn't hurt an 80-something aunt's feelings! You know how they get set in their ways!

By Mommyathome on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 09:26 pm:

LOL....my FIL and grandfather in law are constantly doing the same thing to us! They send us all this "junk mail" about their candidate....and "junk mail" regarding the NRA. They are obsessed with the NRA. It drives me insane. I'm sure they think we believe the same....or they wouldn't send it, right? But, we just keep our mouths zipped!

By Amecmom on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 10:40 pm:

Just delete them before you read them. I told an aquaintance that I liked hearing from him, but really didn't want to read any more politically oriented emails. He has not sent me an email since. I guess he was offended.
Don't these people ever see the other side of the coin and think that what they're sending might be offensive?
Oh, well, the big political season is almost over. Just bear with her.
Ame

By Bobbie~moderatr on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 11:01 pm:

I agree, Don't read just delete. And don't say anything. It is easier just to mark them all and hit delete.......

By Sunny on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 11:26 pm:

No, I won't say anything. At least she's thinking of me! LOL I wish she would stop sending me duplicates, though...