How Do I Keep Politics from RUINING My Thanksgiving Dinner????

In case you missed it… here in America we just had a presidential election which, because we’re so divided in this country, means that just about half of the country is celebrating while the other half is devastated.

And also now? We are just weeks away from the start of the holiday season, where we’re supposed to sit down with the political foes we call family and pass the peas without throwing punches! Is it any wonder that so many of us are full of dread? 

If you’re anxious about politics ruining your Thanksgiving dinner, I think you’ll SO relate to the listener we hear from today, who shared her own worries about seeing her sister at Thanksgiving, after an intense political disagreement last month. 

And even if you don’t, personally, have political discord in your family, stay with me - the insights I share about why humans fight, and the plan that I lay out to keep the peace at Thanksgiving, will be a guide that you can apply anywhere that humans congregate - from the boardroom to the PTA meeting, and everywhere in between.

How do we keep the peace without feeling forced to agree or, worse, getting drawn into a fight? This episode dives into real, practical strategies to manage family dynamics this holiday season. We'll explore why we’re wired to seek conformity, how today’s digital “tribes” fuel polarization, and how you can set healthy boundaries to enjoy a conflict-free Thanksgiving.

Takeaways

• Understanding "tribalism" and why we're wired to seek conformity
• Why humans fight - or avoid - when our sense of security and belonging is threatened
• Practical tips to navigate politically charged family gatherings
• How to stay grounded when relatives bring up controversial topics
• The power of setting boundaries to prevent heated holiday discussions

BIG (BUT EASY) ASK: Would you please take three minutes to fill out the super-short, super-easy Sounds Like Therapy Listener Survey? Not only do you get a chance to submit your own question, which may be answered on a future episode of Sounds Like Therapy, but if you fill out the survey between now and Thanksgiving 2024, you'll be entered for a chance to win a $50 GIFT CARD as a token of my thanks for your time.

UPDATE: The 2024 Gift Card Thank You Drawing is over - congrats to listener Rachel on her big win! - but the survey is still live! I want Sounds Like Therapy to be your favorite podcast, and your feedback directly helps me shape the show! Plus, you can submit your question for consideration for a future episode. Thanks for taking the survey! You're the best!!

Disclaimer: while this podcast sounds like therapy, it is not actually therapy nor is it a substitute for therapy, and while I am a therapist, I am not YOUR therapist. Please be entertained and encouraged, and seek appropriate mental health support from a licensed therapist in your community, if necessary.

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