By Kaleigh Werner, Assistant Editor in Chief
You’ve finished the last assignment for the week, lugged yourself and your suitcase back home and the first thing your mom asks before you even get through the door is, “Can you vacuum the living room?” Quite the Thanksgiving break, I know. I don’t know about you, but this is not an unusual experience for me. Aren’t we supposed to get a break from cleaning and cooking when we come home for the holidays? Apparently not.
However, the real drama arrives when you’re sitting down and eating the actual Thanksgiving meal. Whether it’s politics, extended family problems, or having to compare semesters to that one cousin who posts how much they love their life on Instagram every week, it’s never fun to listen to the same nonsense during such a great holiday. Here are some tips to avoid the extra family stress and drama that can come with Thanksgiving!
1. Pick the the right “middles”
Think about the last time you were at a dinner party. Where were you sitting at the table? Were you in between people or off to the side? The most important question is, who was sitting in the middle on both sides of the table? It sounds like a stupid question, but it matters! I was just recently introduced to the importance of this specific seat through none other than the genius writer, Larry David. On the most recent season of his show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, David wrote and starred in an episode where he was invited to a disastrous dinner party at his friend’s house. Two of his friends, a couple, took the middle seats at the table and instead of engaging the whole room with interesting conversation, they spoke back and forth to each other while everyone listened. David finally called them out on their inability to carry a group conversation, so he made them switch places.
Now, this may seem harsh, and maybe I’m just used to his blunt comments, but he has a point. Being in the middle of the table leaves you with great responsibility. You have the job of making sure that everyone on both sides of the table is able to be involved and engaged in the discussion. The “middles” also carry the conversation. No one wants to sit at a table where only two people on one end are talking to each other. So, my advice to you would be to choose the “middles” carefully. Make sure that the right people are sitting in the right spots this Thanksgiving in order to avoid any awkward and unnecessary conversations.
2. Keep saying “let’s not talk about this”
It is important to remember that you have control over conversations, even if it doesn’t feel like you do. If family members are bringing up topics that are going to create tension or make you feel uncomfortable, just keep saying, “let’s not talk about this.” Stay firm in your stance to avoid topics you don’t want to engage in. If you keep repeating the fact that there shouldn’t be any discussion about the subject, then eventually they’ll catch on and focus on something else.
3. Ask about what’s going on in other people’s lives
I use this tactic even when I just don’t feel like talking in general. Asking someone else about their lives is the best way to get them excited to talk about anything other than politics, news, controversy, etc. People love to talk about themselves, so make them do it!! If you haven’t seen your aunt in a couple months and she doesn’t regularly post on social media, ask her how work has been! Take control of the conversation and steer it in the direction that allows you to talk the least. As someone who does really love to talk, listening is the easier thing to do, trust me!
5. Stay away from controversial news topics that could lead into an argument
This one seems clear and is obvious, but it’s important! Attempting to stay away from controversial current events can help to prevent any political talk that creates the most tension at family gatherings. This can be as simple as suggesting a game to play. Drinking games (for everyone over 21 of course) are a great way to loosen everyone up and have a good time. Even if they do get a little competitive, just remind everyone why you’re all gathered together anyway. Play football outside with your cousins, or better yet watch football inside with your cousins. Apparently great games are played on Thanksgiving? I wouldn’t know, but I’m willing to find out. Especially if that means I don’t have to argue with my Uncle for the twentieth time about the 2020 election!
All in all, Thanksgiving is a holiday to celebrate being with your family, so you shouldn’t be dreading the reunion. Remember to be thankful for the people you have sitting around the table and remind them how much you love them! Wishing you all the best of luck and Happy Thanksgiving from all of the Locals!
