Thread by @PaulMDomenick

Yes, the day is here to give thanks

Surrounded by loved ones, celebrating each other and all that you have

But...sometimes there’s drama, like people arguing over politics and sports

Here’s a brief guide on Family Social Dynamics to assist you at the dinner table

[THREAD]

You know how it is..

Uncle gets a little rowdy after 4 shots of fireball

Aunt starts yelling at uncle to relax on the liquor

Grandpa is knocked out on the recliner after destroying some turkey

Kids are watching cartoons

Until....👇🏼

Political arguments start sprouting

Sports debates start popping off and turn into screaming matches

You and your brother starting fighting over the presidents stance on foreign policy

Your sister curses you for being a cowboys fan

Sh*t just hits the fan!...👇🏼

Now, as you look around the room, you see complete chaos unfolding

People start questioning you

Asking you ...
“Whose side are you on?”
“Do you agree with him/her?”

What should you do?

👇🏼

Here’s a few simple tips to maneuver your way around arguments at the dinner table:

Tip #1- Seek to understand their argument, not win them over to your side

Constantly trying to win them over will create more tension and heat

Calm the situation by seeking an understanding

Try to figure out why they’re saying it and actually listen to the point they’re trying to make

I know you want to cut them off and throw your side of the argument in, but chill for a sec..

Try to gain insight into why they’re thinking that way

Tip #2- Be humble

Listen, everyone at the dinner table thinks they’re right

It’s just natural human behavior, especially partisan political beliefs

So if you’re wrong, try to concede and admit to it

If they’re wrong and refuse to concede, just say “I’ll agree to disagree”

Tip #3- Don’t get wasted

If you’re the type that can’t handle his/her Liquor, please don’t get wasted and make a fool out of yourself

Even if you can handle it, there’s no need to get obliterated

Have a drink or two, because you’re far less likely to fight if you’re sober

Tip #4- Be the topic changer

If you notice the topic going in the wrong direction, try to change it to something broad

If they begin talking about politics, mention how you recently read Ben Franklins biography and ask if others had read it?

Start going into details

Tip #5- Use the Old folks

Before things get out of hand, or even if they already did, use the old folks

Start a new table discussion by asking the older people what thanksgiving was like for them growing up..

Where would they eat?
Who would come over?
Any old traditions?

This will get the older people to start telling stories of the good old days and will allow others to Join in to ask more questions

This is a great way to avoid the arguments, plus the old folks love talking about their younger days and things they’ve done

Tip #6- You’re family

Realize they’re you’re family

Your blood

If you can’t get together with your folks without arguing and screaming at one another over politics, we’ll, how will society itself function?

Home is the place where you express your beliefs comfortably

If you can’t talk about ideas and have dialogue surrounding opposing ideas at home, how will anything ever get done?

Agree that you will disagree, but will remain a solid unit at the end of the dialogue

Because it’s ok to disagree and debate, that’s natural

Hope you folks have an amazing Thanksgiving!

I hope you enjoy your holiday and give love to all of those in your life

Be blessed and be grateful for all that you have in your life

RT to share the love 🦃