What should one never talk about in public?

Reading through the answers so far, most folks seem to think you shouldn't talk about anything they personally find uncomfortable. People who are embarrassed about sex say you shouldn't talk about sex. People who are ashamed of masturbation say you shouldn't talk about masturbation. People who are uncomfortable about politics say you shouldn't talk about politics.

I think all that rests on the idea that people feel entitled not to hear anything that causes them to feel uncomfortable. Feeling entitled never to hear anything that makes you uncomfortable is dangerously, stupidly wrong.

I don't like when people talk about religion. But here's the thing: My discomfort never gives me the right to control what other people talk about. Ever.

I've heard folks say "well, it's courtesy not to talk about things that upset people." I think that's dangerously wrong, too. It's courtesy to understand that other people have the right to discuss things they want to discuss, and you don't have the right to try to control what they talk about just because you don't like the topic. Courtesy is in understanding that it's not all about you. It's not all about what you like. Other people's conversations aren't about you and your precious little fee-fees.

Just because you feel bad, that doesn't necessarily mean someone else is doing something wrong.

Read other answers by

Franklin Veaux on Quora:

• How do they or what do people talk about if they go out many days of the week?
• Why do I put everyone ahead of myself, be so nice, try so hard and become the person that gets hurt the most? What can I do?
• I feel awkward talking and asking certain questions in the fear that they are too formal/straight-minded or utopian. What do I do?

Read more answers on Quora.

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