Girlfriend’s Guide to Table Talk This Holiday
Girlfriend’s Guide to Table Talk This Holiday…
Family and holidays. You gotta love ‘em, but they always come with a side of stress and dash of dysfunctional conflict.
Thanks to our current political environment, there is a whole new level of tension and an increased likelihood that uncomfortable conversations just might intrude on your otherwise warm and festive holiday.
Not to worry, we’ve got you covered...
In keeping with our commitment to foster a more healthy political dialogue among friends - we’ve gathered a few tips from the American Psychological Association and a few great links from our Vote Like a Girl partner organizations, that just might help you navigate, advocate and communicate your way through an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.
Find Common Ground: Uncle Jim is sure you are coming for his guns. You don’t agree with his position or his characterization of yours, but try to listen first, before you react. Hear what is really concerning Uncle Jim. Maybe you can put his mind at ease and even help him to see things from your perspective.
Tip: Maybe Jim can see the light. Here’s a great link from Moms Demand Action if you want a few talking points on why sensible gun violence prevention legislation is needed.
Avoid Name Calling: Aunt Zelda is a stickler on the issue of climate change, but just because she doesn’t see things your way doesn’t mean you need to resort to accusations and name-calling. Maintain a tone of compassion and respect and steer clear of combative language.
Tip: Don’t give up on Zelda too fast. Here’s a great link from the Sierra Club if you want to have a real conversation with Zelda about the causes, effects, and solutions to climate change.
Accept That You May Not Change Minds: Grandma knows what she knows and you most likely will not get her to see things your way. She can vote, and she doesn’t see a problem with purging the records of folks who haven’t in a while; you know differently. But, even if you are unable to convince her on this particular issue, don’t get frustrated that you can’t change her point of view, just use the conversation to communicate yours.
Tip: Just in case you make headway with Grandma, here’s a great link from the League of Women Voters on how she can help take action to restore the Voting Rights Act.
You Can Care and Disagree: There are so many hot buttons to navigate right now and it is difficult, sometimes, to understand another viewpoint, especially when an ideology is deeply held. Cousin Joe is convinced there’s no need for an ERA, but at the end of the day, it’s important to get to a place where you can agree to disagree. Recognize those things that you love about your loved one and accept that you can care about them even when you disagree.
Tip: But, if you want to try to bring Cousin Joe around to your way of thinking, here’s a great link from the National Organization of Women with a few quick facts Joe needs to know.
Family First: Keep in mind, family gatherings should be about coming together, not ripping each other apart. If you are truly concerned about heated politically-charged debates getting in the way of what’s really important this holiday, skip the politics and plan activities that foster laughter and good vibes: get out the board games, look through old photo albums, or slap on your running shoes and get a spirited game of football going outside.
Finally, if the Impeachment inquiry should come up...apply all of the above.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving,
xx
The Girls