How to Deal with In-Laws on Thanksgiving

Possible in-laws

Thanksgiving is definitely one of the most family-oriented holidays on the American calendar. This is not always a good thing if the thought of hanging out with your in-laws makes you cringe. Rather than show up with all your defenses up and your hackles raised, go in with a good attitude and strategic ways to get through the day.

Instructions

1. Prime yourself. Before you even leave your house, sit quietly for a few moments to meditate. Breathe deeply in and out, asking the universe to give you strength to get through the holiday and restraint to bite your tongue.

2. Focus on the food. This is an easy task since there is bound to be tons of it. “Great turkey,” “Incredible stuffing,” and “How did you get this green bean casserole so perfectly green?” should be staple phrases in your repertoire. If you keep in-laws talking about the food, they won’t have time to bring up other insulting topics.

3. Steer clear of alcohol. Getting tipsy will loosen your lips and make you more inclined to be insulting, dance with a lampshade on your head or reveal your true feelings. Not a good move.

4. Take frequent breaks. Trips to the bathroom, a walk around the block, a dash into the living room to see what the score is on the television’s football game are all good excuses to simply leave the scene for a few minutes to regain your composure.

5. Play with any kids at the event. Once the food is cleared away, your next focus can be on any children in the room. They will entertain, amuse and rarely insult you unless they don’t realize what they are saying.

6. Rise above any insults, catty remarks or barbs meant to bait you into an argument. If someone does get particularly insulting, simply smile and say, “Great turkey.”

Tips & Warnings

• If you happen to be the Thanksgiving host, erase all expectations. Do not expect anyone to compliment your cooking, your home décor or even all the trouble you went to to feed them. This way you cannot be disappointed or resentful when no compliments are forthcoming.

• Throwing plates of mashed potatoes at your mother-in-law is not a good option.