JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When it’s time to finally sit down and dig into that turkey, some of the conversation topics around your Thanksgiving meal can come with a side of awkward or uncomfortable.
From the election results to questions about your relationship status, these are all things that could come up at the dinner table when enjoying your Thanksgiving.
So, First Coast News is On Your Side with some tips on how to navigate conversations you may not want to have with your mouth full.
Dr. Christine Cauffied, CEO of LSF Health Systems, a not-for-profit contracted with Florida Department of Children and Families, said many of her younger patients have increased anxiety leading up to the holidays.
That’s because the thought of having to address their relatives with different views and having no easy way to get out of it can be overwhelming.
“When the political environment became so divisive, it almost feels very personal to our Gen Z individuals because they are always comfortable talking about tough topics,” Caufiled told First Coast News. “Getting with friends and relatives that have different viewpoints and having escalation around the dinner table around these topics really makes people again feel like, 'Is it really worth it to celebrate the holidays?'”
Cauffield’s biggest piece of advice? To team up with another relative or your partner to help you get through conversations or stay off those awkward conversation topics.
"Somebody has your back that's going to be supportive, that thinks the same way you do as far as wanting the holidays to be joyful, wanting that Thanksgiving dinner to be full of family memories and not contentious," Cauffield said. "And so, by setting that up ahead of time, you've got support if somehow your interventions aren't working. Your buddy has your back and will step in and reiterate the ground rules if you will for the holiday celebration."
Cauffield also adds that setting boundaries upfront with your loved ones is another solution, thus making it clear that topics like politics, religion and private family matters are not on the Thanksgiving menu.
"Let's make this joyous. Let's not talk politics around the table. We know this has been a very divisive topic. Let's not let it ruin our dinner and let's talk about family memories, make new ones," said Cauffield.
Also, there’s no harm in practicing your responses to those awkward questions while getting ready or when driving over to the Thanksgiving celebration.