7 Ways to Avoid Conflict at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Like many of you, there will be an eclectic mix of friends and family members at my dinner table this weekend. Strategies to keep it positive are at the top of my mind! 

1. Keep the skeletons in the closet. This is not the time to bring up your greatest wounds, pains or potentially disturbing surprises. It’s more an opportunity to reflect and celebrate so stay at the table, away from the closet.

2. Actually give thanks vs. under the table jabs. This is a great opportunity to say what you are grateful for. Science tells us gratitude brings happiness and this is the perfect time for happiness. (http://www.businessinsider.com/a-neuroscience-researcher-reveals-4-rituals-that-will-make-you-a-happier-person-2015-9)

3. Keep your inside voice inside. If you don’t like grandma’s stuffing, or the turkey is overcooked, or the pumpkin pie tastes nothing like pumpkin pie, keep it to yourself. Someone worked hard, (even it was to run to the store to buy the pumpkin pie – or am I the only one doing that??) and if this someone is balancing work, children and potentially you…let’s just say thank you.

4. Find time for you. The table can get crammed and elbows can nudge, so step away and take a moment or two to yourself whenever you need it.

5. Watch the whispered conversations. We all know you are talking about someone else at the table or we are going to assume that! No one needs this subtle tension. 

6. Let it go. So your mother-in-law said your dinner table is lacking colour, or it’s nice to see that you've paid attention to your hair today. This is the perfect time to self-regulate…breathe, straighten your posture and remember you don’t have to give any of your energy to these comments.

7. Know your number. How many glasses of wine can you drink before your tongue loosens up and your inner thoughts ooze out? Know your number before you get to dinner and stay below it!

Let's see if these strategies keep the stuffing from being thrown around!