How do you handle conflict about social issues during the holidays?
We’re progressive, but for some in my family, ideas are just ideas they want to discuss and intellectualize, and I don’t. Relaxing on vacation is not when I want to hash it out.
Clara Horst, 28, Digital Animation Artist
Just be civil. Thankfully, I can be civil with people. If you are civil—sometimes—people respond in the same way.
Daniel Majarucon, 30, Information Technology
I would say I focus on the food. I do a lot of the cooking for Thanksgiving, so… “Oh, I think I hear a timer!” It may be a little evasive, but “focus on the food.”
Michelle Welsh-Horst, 58, Book Editor
Stick to what we have in common. Everyone wants a better world even if they have screwed-up ideas about what that better world is, or how to get there.
Eric Pesic, 58, Philosopher
Instead of focusing on political differences, talk about the things we all love.
Phoenix Pesic, 12, Student
We’re not inviting anybody for Thanksgiving that we’re going to clash with. We planned it that way. My stepfather is just angry; you can’t even agree with him without pissing him off!
Tony Hilton, 57, Lab Service
