Wow, it’s Thanksgiving week! What are you Thankful for? I am thankful for my faith and my family. Let your bonds be stronger than your fear. According to the web, “family is a group of people who want and choose to be together embraced by a bond that not even the slightest test of trials or troubles can breach”.
Family Divisiveness
However family divisiveness seems greater now than any time I can remember. Some family bonds have broken over politics, religion and other sensitive issues. Remember that families can offer predictability, structure, and safety if we choose that. We just have to be intentional about it.
The Forbidden 3
One way to achieve this is avoid the forbidden 3. Yes, never talk turkey with family at the Thanksgiving table. Avoid discussions that flare fear, anger or distress. So, avoid politics, religion or social justice discussions.
How to Handle Difficult Topics
If difficult topics come up, and you don’t want to go there, you can give a noncommittal ‘hmm,’ or … change the subject. If relatives don’t respect those boundaries and persist with the conversation anyway, find an exit strategy from the table, such as getting up for a drink of water or going to the bathroom. And if all else fails, leaving the Thanksgiving event altogether can sometimes be the best last resort.
Don’t Leave Anyone Behind
“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” Let us not forget the true meaning of family. Be thankful and enjoy the turkey talk.
Happy Thanksgiving!