I become timid when the topic is illness

[Alexandoy]

I always attend the bi-annual reunion of my former colleagues who are all seniors and the oldest is past 80 already. Expectedly, one of the hottest topics in that casual reunion is illnesses which I really hate. In our recent meets, some of my former colleagues have noticed that I always become quiet when the topic is about ailment. I had wanted to tell them that I feel bad when ailment is the topic but I couldn't say it because I know most of them enjoy that topic. This coming November 26, we have another of such casual reunions and I am thinking of telling everyone (like an announcement) that it is not good to discuss our ailments. But I am afraid that they may be turned off by my opinion. 


What do you think? 

 

[fuzyon]

It's a sticky situation, if you decide to tell them that try to be as polite as possible, you don't want to burn bridges with former colleagues especially in case you're out of duty and need some references. Why is it discussing ailments that bad for you though? You can learn stuff from the older ones.

 

[misszerable]

As people grow older, they tend to focus on the things that consume their days and that's more often whatever sickness they're suffering from. Instead of telling your former colleagues not to talk about ailments during your reunions, perhaps you can think of themes or activities other than talking and sharing. These themes may challenge each of you to do something that you don't do on a normal basis. You'll do it basically for harmless fun. You'll find that your colleagues will have less time to talk about their illnesses. For instance, you can exchange pick up lines and have the others vote for the best or the funniest one.