If your family is like every other, you have relatives who do not agree with each other on big topics. And, they like to bring up those topics at the Thanksgiving table.
I spoke with 9 News yesterday about how best to avoid family arguments during the holidays. Here is the video:
Click here to watch the video if it does not appear above.
Topics that are good to avoid are politics, religion, past family difficulties, finances, and diet. Here are a few tips you can use to make your Thanksgiving a little less stressful:
1. Before you say something about one of the above topics, think about whether someone might get offended. If the answer is 'yes' (or even 'possibly'), just shut up. Don't say it. Wait until you are around people who agree with you--then say what you have to say.
2. Remember, as frustrating as certain family members can be, there may be some relatives who think you are the frustrating relative. Try not to be the annoying person who won't shut up about the President.
3. If someone in your family brings up a topic you disagree with, try to ignore them. Don't take the bait. Just let it go.
4. You are absolutely not going to change anyone's mind by arguing during Thanksgiving dinner.
5. If a
relative says something truly offensive, you have a decision to make--you might want to let it go (see tip #4), or you might feel you need to address the issue. If so, keep your comments short and to the point. And, remember, it probably won't change the person's mind. But, you might be able to convince them to keep their offensive comments to themselves.
Thanks for reading-- Max Wachtel, Ph.D.
www.CherryCreekPsychology.com
www.Twitter.com/mwachtel
www.Facebook.com/drmaxwachtel