Image: Two people arm-wrestling. Photo by RyanMcGuire/Pixabay.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States. My radio and online reading tell me that people are very worried about discussions at the table, especially about politics.
Here are some options for navigating contentious discussions:
- Keep in mind that these are the people who let you in the door when you are on the doorstep. You actually do want some connection to them, especially if you are feeling threatened by the world.
- If your family enjoys argument, by all means enjoy!
- If someone at the table finds argument terrifying, be gentle with them. Just accept that this is who they are, and offer them a hug, more pie, or the TV remote. Don’t be mad at them for not arguing; it just isn’t their game.
- If you are the person feeling threatened by arguments, remember: A person who seems angry may just be avoiding admitting (to themselves?) that they are afraid.
- If someone at the table is feeling an existential threat (“We could die!” “We could starve!” etc) focus on their feelings rather than their logic. Saying, “You are a silly goose because you think such-and-such” is actually quite cruel. They are scared.
- If someone at the table feels hope for the first time in a long time, respect their relief if only for the peace of the day.
- Leave words like “bigot” or “idiot” out of the conversation. They never add value. The rabbis of Pirkei Avot tell us to “give everyone the benefit of the doubt.”
- If someone is being a bully, don’t engage with them. Instead, turn to the person on the receiving end of the bullying and change the subject to something more pleasant.
- If all else fails, say “It’s Thanksgiving and I want to enjoy your company, not fight.” On Shabbat, I have been known to say, “Not on Shabbes. Next topic!” when a subject seemed likely to bring out the worst around the table.
- It’s only one day.
Happy Thanksgiving, Rabbi Adar — Hope it’s a great day for you and yours!!
Thanks, Jen! I hope it’s a wonderful day for you!
enjoy your Thanksgiving, Rabbi Ruth. thank you for your guidance
Thank you, Meredith! I wish you a lovely day.
Thank You for the suggestions. Have a great Thanksgiving!
You too lengesinski!
Take lots of photos of your loving family and friends. Let the youngest children watch a favorite movie to remind everyone of our childhood. Be thankful – it is Thanksgiving Day. Have a wonder-filled day Rabbi Ruth.
Amen!!! Great addition!
Listening to the news this morning, i heard Cokie Roberts say talk about dogs! Everyone at her table loves dogs and if they don’t they are not at her table. When they talk about dogs, no one talks politics or argues, everyone loves to talk about their dogs. Sounds like a great idea to me! Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I know what we will be talking about today…
Great idea!!! I would expand that to “Talk about pets” I love it!
We have the “little ears” rule in our family. Remember to be a proper example in front of the children, and we have small children at our table. None of us are happy with the outcome, so we just decided to skip politics and focus on complaining about the Philadelphia Eagles. 🙂
Excellent plan!