How to handle an obnoxious politically obsessed friend, you know the person who always brings up politics

Do you have a politically obsessed friend? You know, the person who always brings up politics? Is it a political obsession disorder? Read on for some great suggestions on what to do

I have a friend who is the person who always brings up politics. And, i bet we all know someone who has an unhealthy obsession with politics. Its such a manic love, I’m beginning to think we have a new world with political obsession disorder (if there is such a thing). So what do we do about your politically obsessed friend?

Political ideology can corrupt the mind, and science.
E. O. Wilson

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Update: Since I first wrote this article, I have fielded many questions, been confronted with many more politically obsessed people, and forced to return to this piece. I have spoken to many of you who described a family member with an unhealthy obsession with politics. And lots of conversations started with “my friend is obsessed with politics, what should I do?” As a result of these many conversations, I spent more time trying to grasp this topic better. As a result, I have added some material to clarify and better help you understand and navigate these complex relationships. Let’s see if we can give you some tools for how to deal with someone who is obsessed with politics. Further, check out my recent piece on four questions that change the way I decide how to spend my time and where to engage here: Four Questions That Decide What Deserves My Time (And Why You Need a System Too)

You have run into people who are obsessed with politics. Right?

They can be pretty annoying, and after a few attempts at a logical argument, you probably shifted to trying to avoid getting them started on their political views.

But what do you do when it is a close friend?

Do you have a politically obsessed friend?

If you are wondering how to deal with someone who is obsessed with politics, read on.


No matter which position of the political spectrum you are on, you doubtless have a friend on the opposite side and attached to their position.

It’s natural to become passionate about a political issue or another. But what happens when your friend becomes so consumed by a position they have taken and becomes obsessed? What happens when they are blinded to logic, unable to engage in ordinary discourse, and are even obnoxious to others?

Continued below.