Never talk politics or religion at the dinner table.
The old adage comes to mind this week, when many of us are about to sit around the Thanksgiving table with friends and family. Inevitably, Trump voters, Hillary voters, non-voters and people of every ilk will be face to face, separated by nothing but a hefty turkey, a couple side dishes and a monstrous partisan political divide. So what should you do when the talk at the table turns to Trump? We’ve got a few tips for you.
This is an easy one. If someone gets fired up about the cast of “Hamilton!” lecturing Vice President-Elect Mike Pence, segue into a discussion of how tasty the holiday ham is. You only get one shot at the perfect meal, after all.
If there’s a particularly political-minded person at your gathering, chances are he or she will eventually try to bait another guest into a discussion that might not end well. Don’t take that bait! Excuse yourself to get some bait of your own, like dessert. Nothing silences a room like a mouthwatering pecan pie.
If all else fails, just make an announcement — you’d prefer to use this holiday gathering to celebrate friends and family and take a respite from the trying times and political strife. You can even make this known before the meal, nipping it in the proverbial bud.
Whatever you choose to do, stay cool this holiday season. Don’t let the partisan divide tear a rift in your family, too.