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

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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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