ckf Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 (CNN)Mealtime talk is always fraught this time of year. In this post-election climate, even the most innocent mention of politics or social issues could threaten to turn MawMaw's house into the thunder dome. Don't worry your elastic-waisted britches about it. Daniel Post Senning, an etiquette expert from the Emily Post Institute, gave us some great pointers on how to handle the election aftermath with class. Here's how to keep your holiday companions from throttling each other: 1. Stick to nonthreatening conversations If you really want to ensure a PG-rated family gathering, stick to what Senning calls "Tier 1" topics: Pop culture, sports and shared experiences like the weather, the food, family matters or even the holidays themselves. "Tier 2" conversations, on the other hand, are things like politics, religion and sex, and they tend to create deeper divisions. "Those are important discussions to have," Senning says. "But they are controversial and require a level of discretion, care and tact to navigate. You have to think about your audience and the potential impact of those discussions." In other words, you may think it's fascinating the Pope has said abortion can be forgiven by priests. That doesn't mean it's the first thing you should mention after grace. 2. Don't take the bait Obviously at some point, one of your dinner partners may launch a unilateral political offensive. Don't feel like you have to engage. "[Goading] is not a license to respond in kind," Senning says. "It's never an obligation that you provide a counter argument or that you have to share what you think." Remember, you're the master of your own emotions. Is it worth spoiling the evening's Honey Baked Ham halo just so you can give your belligerent cousin the what-for? No. Smile and take one for the team. "You're never going to help the situation, and it will probably just escalate it," Senning says. 2016 Meyocks Thanksgiving Survey. 3. Admit when you've put your foot in your mouth Nightmare scenario: You think your whole table is of one political or religious mind, so you spew a hot take they can all enjoy. Surprise! You're met with icy silence. Don't fall on your butter knife just yet. Senning says there's a graceful way to get out of this common faux pas. "Whenever you find yourself in that situation, showing a return to self-awareness is a good way to regain trust," Senning says. 'Fess up and acknowledge that it's just your opinion, and that others may not share it. In fact, it could be the start of a new understanding. "Moments like that are opportunities to build bridges," Senning says. How to handle the post-election world with grace 4. Don't be afraid to right the ship If you see the conversation starting to tip into potentially hazardous territory, don't be afraid to take the wheel. "Try to guide the conversation back into safer territory," Senning says. "That's usually a host's prerogative, but anybody can do it, and any talented conversationalist will recognize safe territory." In fact, chances are you won't be the only one trying to save the atmosphere. When you interject with a compliment about the food or a riff on the perils of Black Friday, you'll be giving other people an opportunity to chime in and get things back on track. 2016 Meyocks Thanksgiving Survey. 5. If you must bring up a tough subject, do so with compassion "Whatever, CNN," you may be thinking. "My family/chosen holiday gathering absolutely THRIVES on sparkling, diverse topical conversation." Neato, friend. That's really great. But if you're going to go there, be prepared for what you might find. "If you are going to talk about these things, you have to be willing to listen to someone that has a different opinion than you do," Senning says. "Showing some awareness of that reality communicates a certain grace and awareness and consideration of others." http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/22/health/thanksgiving-holiday-conversation-survival-guide-trnd/index.html?sr=twCNN112216thanksgiving-holiday-conversation-survival-guide-trnd0740PMStoryLink&linkId=31454136 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambroski Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Just reading this shit made me angry. I wonder if this is why people need to know if I'm going to show up to a family event? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motonoggin Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodtick Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I'm just going to keep my mouth shut, eat good food, drink a lot, and wait until after desert. My gay brother in laws boy friend makes damn good pies. I would hate to piss him off before the pie is served. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cold War Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Lol, I was wondering if something like this would be put out. I remember after the Dems forced through Obama care they put out talking points to attack your family with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambroski Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 7 minutes ago, Woodtick said: I'm just going to keep my mouth shut, eat good food, drink a lot, and wait until after desert. My gay brother in laws boy friend makes damn good pies. I would hate to piss him off before the pie is served. I'd like to comment on this a few times. But I will refrain if your feeling are already sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodtick Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Fuck you, I happen to like pies and good tacos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racinfarmer Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Thanksgiving with the inlaws should be interesting if the NPR listening professors show up. They insist I refer them them as a doctor, but fuck em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spin_dry Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 i just agree with whatever the fuck everyone else agrees on. it's easier that way. having ego investment into politics is probably the biggest waste of time outside of religion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momorider Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 4 minutes ago, racinfarmer said: Thanksgiving with the inlaws should be interesting if the NPR listening professors show up. They insist I refer them them as a doctor, but fuck em. Fuck that shit seriously I would say fuck you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cold War Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 We will be tailgating & drinking in the D with friends.... not really seeing an issue. Fuck spending holiday's with people you don't like . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlSpackler Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 14 minutes ago, racinfarmer said: Thanksgiving with the inlaws should be interesting if the NPR listening professors show up. They insist I refer them them as a doctor, but fuck em. Fuck me! That is an unprecedented level of douchebaggery.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DriftBusta Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 59 minutes ago, spin_dry said: i just agree with whatever the fuck everyone else agrees on. it's easier that way. having ego investment into politics is probably the biggest waste of time outside of religion. I have at least 3 rabid Hilary supporters on our guest list. I'm just gonna let them rant and nod my head approvingly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ez ryder Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 my cuz her husband and my aunt are not allowed in my home. they spend the holidays alone in enjoying there smug ult left chatter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodtick Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambroski Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 12 minutes ago, DriftBusta said: I have at least 3 rabid Hilary supporters on our guest list. I'm just gonna let them rant and nod my head approvingly. Please tell me you're gonna be able to give'm a smile along with the head nod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racer254 Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 1 hour ago, Cold War said: We will be tailgating & drinking in the D with friends.... not really seeing an issue. Fuck spending holiday's with people you don't like . This^^^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momorider Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 26 minutes ago, DriftBusta said: I have at least 3 rabid Hilary supporters on our guest list. I'm just gonna let them rant and nod my head approvingly. How drunk will you be? you're a better man than me, I would be feeding them a big helping of reality Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcticCrusher Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 One of my pals gets himself loaded before his inlaws come over. Says its the only way he can tolerate them. They're Serbian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambroski Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Just now, Momorider said: How drunk will you be? you're a better man than me, I would be feeding them a big helping of reality There's no way I could maintain any semblance of passiveness. I can't find any of these fuckers in the real world...the chance to be face to face with them in a "captive" arrangement would inspire me to inquire deeply into their thoughts. THRILLING! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anler Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Whenever somebody brings up politics just start talking about how you got an std from banging the neighbor lady. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momorider Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 5 minutes ago, Anler said: Whenever somebody brings up politics just start talking about how you got an std from banging the neighbor lady. You set that up with your wife first? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DriftBusta Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 35 minutes ago, Zambroski said: Please tell me you're gonna be able to give'm a smile along with the head nod. I'm in sales. This shit comes naturally to me 20 minutes ago, Momorider said: How drunk will you be? you're a better man than me, I would be feeding them a big helping of reality My pa in law who's one of my favorite people, a closet pot smoker snowmachiner, and scotch aficianado....also went for Hilary. I understand he was pretty upset when it all went down. So I imagine we'll be balls deep into some Macallans 12 year old, and he will give me his mea culpa on the whole thing 3 minutes ago, Anler said: Whenever somebody brings up politics just start talking about how you got an std from banging the neighbor lady. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sal Rosenberg Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 25 minutes ago, Momorider said: How drunk will you be? you're a better man than me, I would be feeding them a big helping of reality The reality is , everyone will be feeding you from the top of the basement stairs . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambroski Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 1 minute ago, Sal Rosenberg said: The reality is , everyone will be feeding you from the top of the basement stairs . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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