How to Survive This Thanksgiving with the Family

November 24th, 2015 | Author: Leil Lowndes

Thanksgiving dinner with the family on Thursday? I hope it’s as magnificent as such merriment is cracked up to be. But watch out! It ain’t like dining with friends you choose because, unfortunately, you have to consider even more carefully what you say. No matter how much you love your family members (well, most of them) realize that they all—mom, dad, grandma, siblings, kids, uncles, aunts, and even third cousins twice removed—will hear whatever you say from a totally different perspective. And that perspective is, “HOW DOES THAT AFFECT ME?”

Why? Because you’re eternally connected. You’re a permanent part of the clan. Well, at the very least, they will see you next year, the next, and the next. (BTW, boyfriends and girlfriends, please heed this same advice because you too are being scrutinized in case you someday become a member of their family.)

There’s another reason to watch your words. When each person returns home, their favorite topic will be how they feel about various family members at the table. How I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard the post-Thanksgiving comment, “I just couldn’t believe it when he/she said . . .” Sadly, if you make one bragging comment, one prejudiced statement, one rude remark, or have one drink to many, you run the risk of some crabby family member labeling you a braggart, bigot, rude-ass or a drinker. ”

I don’t mean to put a raincloud over this magnificent annual coming together. I hope it’s fabulous. And I know it will be for you as long as you realize that what you say on Thursday has many more implications than in normal conversation. The day should bring great happiness to everyone except the poor turkey.



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