Surviving Thanksgiving: Tips for Family Gatherings

There’s a prominent conservative news host who announced that, since the election, his liberal mother has uninvited him from Thanksgiving dinner. How sad to destroy a family over something like politics.

Thirty years ago, people could talk about being Democrats or Republicans and nobody wished anyone dead. But that’s not the case today, even in families, much less friendships. In today’s Deep Dive podcast, “Tips for Family Gatherings,” I’m helping you stay cool, calm and collected during the upcoming holidays.

Here are some of the pointers I share in this episode:

1. Take preemptive measures

   Whoever is hosting should email all attendees and say, “No discussion about politics or the election. None. Zero. MINUS zero!”

2. Avoid topics that will derail the conversation.

   Steer clear of subjects that have the potential to ruin relationships. Listen to this episode for the game plan Steven and I came up with to deal with his politically-agitated mom during an upcoming visit.

3. Don’t take the bait

   It can be so tempting to snap back when someone makes a judgment or comment, but don’t do it. Step back, take a breath, and don't get caught in a trap.

Looking for more ways to avoid arguments, insults, and excommunication from the family?

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🤔 Need a holiday game plan of your own?

With the festivities coming up, there’s no time like the present to deal with family dilemmas. Call me at 1-800-DRLAURA or click here to make an appointment to speak with me on air.

Coming Up This Season 🏃‍♀️

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Paralyzed by Pain

The word “triggered” is exactly the kind of psychobabble term that drives me crazy. Why?

Rose was feeling “triggered” when she called me. Something had happened in her long-standing, unhealthy relationship that dredged up terrible childhood pain, and she called to find out how to cope with her feelings. I told Rose that the best thing she could do was stop making excuses and start taking actions that could actually improve her life.

Wallowing in painful feelings only sidetracks you and keeps you from making decisions that can ultimately lead to self-respect.

If you’re going to measure every moment of everything you do by the way you feel, you are never going to fully live life. All you’re doing is ruminating. Not living for today. It’s irrelevant that something is triggering. You may not be able to control your emotional reaction to it, but you can control what you say and what you do.

If you don’t like a situation, don’t tolerate it anymore. And if someone is mean to you, don’t deal with them anymore.

Feeling sick in your mind, spirit and body is a huge price to pay for your inaction. The bottom line is this; to live a full, meaningful life, you have to make the right choices for yourself. And when you use wisdom instead of your feelings to dictate your actions, you’ll find that you feel braver and stronger.

"Now, go DO the right thing!"