9 Things You Should NEVER, Ever Discuss During Thanksgiving

Keep family gossip for another time

As we said before, it’s important to talk to your family about what’s displeasing you, personal problems and other things that affect your relationship, but you should discuss these things another time, perhaps when Thanksgiving is over. If you do this, you risk ruining this amazing holiday, which is about forgiving and gratitude, and everyone will remember your drama and rude behavior. 

If you really want to say something important, you should save it for another occasion, but if it was something that really bothered you, you would have already told your family, without waiting for the arrival of this holiday. The idea is that if you haven’t said it yet, it means that it can wait a little longer until Thanksgiving is over, right?

According to Marni Amsellem, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist practicing in Connecticut and New York, causing drama and telling your relatives about an event that happened decades ago, can ruin your Thanksgiving dinner. 

Don’t talk about politics

Another common topic that can ruin a Thanksgiving dinner is politics. So, you shouldn’t talk about politics at all, or try to maintain a neutral and calm position when such topics arise because this way you avoid a possible fight. 

However, one of the most important things that you have to take into consideration when it comes to conversations that involve politics (especially when you are at a family reunion) is to understand that people have their own values and opinions and we have to accept and understand them as best we can without arguing or starting a fight. 

“If discussing politics, the discussion needs to be held tactfully and respectfully. Obviously, not everyone holds the same views, and it is important to try to refrain from name-calling or broad-group insults. This also holds when families are in agreement about political topics as well. Tact and decorum are key in self-expression when discussing heated topics, generally-speaking,” recommends Amsellem.

The truth is that you can’t judge someone because they voted for another president or support the opposition political party – it doesn’t mean that their choice is wrong, because we have different personalities, principles, values and ideologies. It’s no secret that people choose those with whom resonate the most, and of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. In this case, you have to accept their point of view and have an interesting and calm conversation.