!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics --> WiserUTips: How to avoid political arguments on Thanksgiving

How to avoid political arguments on Thanksgiving

Since politics remain a contentious topic in 2017, I'm re-posting this advice to help you have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. -- Kathy


Want to avoid Thanksgiving political arguments? Me too. 

My political views are different than my relatives, but I love them more than I hate their politics and I don't want to fight. And I certainly don't want to ruin the day after so many people worked so hard to make it special. You may feel the same way. So to survive Thanksgiving, take these steps:

1) Cut conflict off before it happens

  • If you are the host (or can influence the host) establish ground rules in advance, such as, "There will be no political talk! Let's focus on being thankful and being a family who loves each other." Your relatives may be as happy to not talk about politics as you are.
  • Put a family parliamentarian in charge to maintain order: "Out of order! Grandpa, that's political talk. Instead, tell us how you met Grandma."


2) Don't start it

  • Simply don't bring up anything politically-related. Have a ready supply of other subjects to discuss instead, such as, "How about them [TEAM NAME]?" Or, "My [INSERT ITEM] is broken. Do you know of anybody who fixes them?" Or, "Wow, your [DISH] is good. How did you make it?"


Surviving prayer time

  • If the designated "pray-er" makes the communal prayer political, choose to pray your own prayer silently. And pray ahead of time for your family members and their individual needs so that you will have a softer heart for those who disagree with you. Also pray that you will have the wisdom, patience and strength to not argue with them.


3) Prepare
If your relatives insist on talking about politics and you don't feel that you can respond freely because of your opposing views, determine how will respond and then stick to your plan. Try these options:

Ignore them -- Focus on the food, play with a toddler, watch a football game on TV, clear the table, do the dishes, take a walk, or have a side conversation with someone who either agrees with you or who also doesn't want to argue about politics. If something that is said really annoys you, count to 10 silently to formulate a calm response.

Play games -- My family likes to play badminton on nice days (un-scored and any number of people can play on either side of the net), or Heads Up when it's too cold or rainy to play outside. Research and prepare for group games before hand.

Distract and deflect: If being baited into an argument, respond with prepared lines like:

  • "Is that a new blouse? It's really flattering!"
  • "I love your hair. Are you getting it cut someplace new?"
  • "These mashed potatoes are so creamy." (this is one of the funniest lines from the movie "While You Were Sleeping". Keep repeating the line until others notice.
  • "What teams are playing today? Let's watch!"
  • "I love what you've done with your new decor! Who was your decorator?"
  • "Have you lost weight? How did you do it?"
  • "Did you see last night's episode of [SOME SHOW UNRELATED TO POLITICS]?
  • "Will you look at that squirrel? That's some gray squirrel!"
  • "Is that an elusive [MADE-UP BIRD NAME]. "Quick get the binoculars!"
  • And if all else fails, say, "We agree on so many things; let's agree to disagree and go grab some pie! or, "Let's fight it out over a game of checkers!"


4) Focus on the positive and good memories.

  • Show childhood videos, make photo collages, or lay out old photo albums to shift the conversation to good times.
  • Have each family member share memories about a particular topic or person, or about what they are thankful for.
  • Play Two Truths and a Lie or Would You Rather? to learn things about each other that you never knew.


5) Forgive and move on.

  • If a political fight breaks out with an individual, quell the argument quickly. Say, "I'm sorry, [NAME]. I swore I wouldn't argue about this. You have a right to your opinion and I have a right to mine. I love you and I don't want to fight. Let's go join the group."
  • If a whole group is on your case about your political views, say, "You are not going to change my mind and I'm not going to change yours, so please, let's talk about something else or I will have to leave."
  • If all else fails, leave graciously. Say, "It looks like we all are passionate on the topic and I'm not on the same page with you. Rather than argue, which solves nothing, I will leave. I love you and hope that we can get together soon without arguing because you are dear to me."


6) Opt out

  • If you really feel that you can't attend, opt out early and graciously. Last year I was so stressed about potential Thanksgiving conflicts, I contemplated leaving a note on my mom's doorstep early that morning with the items that I promised to bring reading, "I'm so sorry, but I can't come. I love you all and will see you at Christmas." But, this approach would not be fair to those who prepared enough food for my immediate family to attend. Instead, opt out early and be kind. Say, "We were so looking forward to seeing you, but we cannot come. I love you and will see you at [Christmas/Hanukkah]." If pressed, just say, "It just doesn't work for us to come, but I love you and will see you soon."



Seek to have a happy Thanksgiving. 

Focus on the things that you can agree on -- family, faith, good memories, great food, and your love for one another. 

Be thankful that you have loved ones who you can fight with, forgive, and still love ... no matter how much you disagree with their politics. 

And remember with fondness those who have passed on who you would give anything to be with ... and likely still argue politics with ... one last time.

Happy Thanksgiving! Kathy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Look to WiserU
WiserU provides LinkedIn training and services and career training and services for individuals and organizations that can transform your future or grow your business. Visit WiserU.com to learn more.

WiserU LinkedIn business training
  • Businesses arrange for WiserU to maximize their use of LinkedIn for sales, marketing, and fundraising through training and services. Learn more 
  • The unemployed and miserably employed hire WiserU for career training, coaching, interview preparation, and LinkedIn profile and resume creation services. Learn more at wiseru.com/services/
  • Subscribe to WiserUTips.com for weekly LinkedIn and career tips!

No comments :

Post a Comment

Comments - You are welcome to comment, but please do not include a link address. Posts with web links will not be published.