Keeping Thanksgiving conversation pleasant

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

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Not only do you have to worry if the turkey's done this Thanksgiving, you also have to worry about whether or not your family will all get along together.

There are some things to just avoid talking about at Thanksgiving.

Relationship coach and KSL Newsradio weekend host Matt Townsend says, "I wouldn't bring up money issues, which will be hard because of the economy; I wouldn't bring up sex, I probably wouldn't bring up religion."

Townsend says families are stuck in hierarchies that don't change. "Remember, your family remembers you as a little quirky girl or a little weird boy with that one embarrassing moment, and that's what they will nitpick on," he said.

Townsend says go into the dinner with confidence that you won't be bullied or become a victim. He says plan a few safe topics or memories to bring up in order to control the conversation.

It's also a good idea to have an escape route if the conversation turns awkward. You can go dish up dessert, or volunteer to do the dishes in order to get away for a while.

You can hear more from Townsend on Saturdays at 11 a.m. on KSL Newsradio.

E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com