him & her XXXV: 5 topics to avoid at thanksgiving dinner

H I M  &  H E R :

Whenever Curtis and I talk about Thanksgiving dinner we always reference back to this SNL skit from last year.

We have all had awkward situations with family members that have different views on politics, religion or other happenings going on in the world. There is something to be said for healthy dialogue, but we all know that when it comes to crazy Uncle Glenn, matters can quickly devolve. 

Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there are some topics you might want to avoid...

1. Politics
You are allowed to make a couple "You're fired" or "It's gonna be uge" jokes, but that's it. Talking politics with your own family NEVER results in really productive and informative discussions. Even if you're all in the same party or whatever, it won't matter. It's like metaphorically burning the Thanksgiving turkey. 

2. Religion
Everyone believes something different from one another. Even if the family you are sharing Thanksgiving with is all the same religion, there is still no room for judgement or questioning. Religion is such a touchy subject and you just don't want to over step your bounds at the dinner table. 

3. Sickness
There is a difference between telling us about you falling and hurting your knee than telling us about the nasty side effects your pain medication is giving you. No, I don't want to hear how you got that mole off your back or how you have been so constipated the last few weeks. We love you, but we don't need to hear your medical history while we are eating, so please leave that for your doctors to look at later.

4. Money
Beware of money talk! The kind that happens when people begin to tell other people what they should be doing with their money, or even worse, what they shouldn't be doing. Talking cash is a slippery slope, especially at a family gathering. Say thank you to your great aunt that slips you a $20 for gas and leave it at that.

5. Vegetarian/Gluten Free
If you are a vegetarian, that's great. If you are gluten free, even better. But remember it's probably best to keep your ethical or nutritional values to yourself as much as possible at Thanksgiving even though it may be a little weird for you, sitting inches away from a turkey carcass.