I had a very successful social interaction just yesterday. I was in a spa with my lover, both tripping on magic mushrooms. After hours of sauna, warm pools, comfy mattresses, and cuddles, we became hungry and went to the restaurant in the spa.

On a table about three meters away sat a group of around six women. At some point they started talking about Israel/Palestine, raised their noise level and let their emotions shine through. I sat there peacefully waiting for my meal and watching the patterns in the wooden table move. Then they forced this emotionally charged topic on me. It totally ruined my chill vibe and I decided to act.

I approached the table and said the following in a calm and stern voice.

Hello. Excuse me. I know you are upset about this topic. I know it’s very emotionally charged. If you talk so loudly you are forcing this emotionally charged topic onto others in your environment. So please keep it down and your emotions in check.

I left their table and they actually complied.

What I thought about saying, but did not:

You are not helping anyone with your self righteous outrage. What you’re saying is neither insightful nor novel. Your understanding of this topic is superficial at best. Your overly emotional approach hinders your understanding and helps perpetuate this conflict. Have you done anything to help improve the situation besides your performative outrage?