Here’s the scene – It’s Thanksgiving, family and friends are all gathered at the table. A lovely family picture, one that will appear on FB or ‘Fake Book’ as my niece refers to it and on Instagram or “Insta-Fab” as my niece calls it. Everything looks perfect!
The feast is served, and the plates are full. Grace has been said and the guest are expressing their gratitude. Everything is perfect…right?
Until a ‘taboo topic’ is mentioned in a rather opinionated voice, Uncle Joe. A voice longing for a rebuttal. He is the one person we can count on to turn Turkey Talk into a taboo, terrible touchy topic.
Here is a partial list of taboo topics:
- POLITICS
- Religion
- Money
- COVID
- Quarantine
- Vaccinations
- Death and Dying
- Who gets what, when, and why
- Gossip
- Marital Issues
- Medical/Health Issues
- Symptoms
- Side Effects
- Course of Action
- Job – (Problems or Unemployment)
- Diets – definitely NOT a topic for the Holiday
Please add a comment and add more possibilities to this list.
So what do you do?
How uncomfortable are you right now if you are the host?
Do you take responsibility for this comment?
Do you spill the wine?
Maybe you set the rules before it gets to this.
As the hostess with the mostess, I am grateful for each of you at this table.
I am grateful for the warm feelings we all have for each other.
I am grateful that each of you have chosen to respect this time, this special time and will choose to keep from this table all taboo topics.(listed above)
Are you squirming in your seat, hoping that Uncle Joe will stuff his face?
Perhaps you say, ‘Excuse me, Uncle Joe…please pass the gravy!”
Call it out
Listen and learn
Smile and nod…
Change the subject!