Do politics have you dreading Thanksgiving this year? If so, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that a millions of families with political divides cut their meals short every year because of tension and fights.
How do you keep the peace? It might not be easy, but here are a few ideas:
Define your purpose
This sounds simple, but it can be incredibly transforming: Decide what your purpose in being there really is. Once you focus on that purpose, your attention will shift away from irrelevant things — like whatever your brother-in-law is saying about marijuana legalization. Knowing that you’re there “just to visit your mom” or “to spend time with my favorite cousin” can help you ignore the less important things — no matter how disagreeable.
Don’t let your emotions get the best of you
Remember this: You are ultimately the only person you can control. Yelling and fighting probably never changed anybody’s mind in the entire history of the human race, so don’t waste your emotional energy on what other people are saying or believe. If you refuse to let them get to you, you’ll already have won the battle.
Have an exit plan (just in case)
Everybody has a breaking point. Should you reach yours, it’s wise to know how to simply walk away as quickly as possible. Keep your keys in your pockets and your shoes on your feet so that you can make an exit out the front door or back, whichever is easier.
Some families are more volatile than others and tensions that have built over the year can sometimes erupt into physical violence, especially if alcohol is involved. If you are arrested over the holiday on assault and battery charges, take the necessary steps to protect your rights.
