Dear Annie: Family Hostess Is Tired of Turkey and Tension. ‘Why Do I Keep Doing This to Myself?’

Tips so Iowans can avoid conversational meltdowns at the Thanksgiving table

Many Iowans will be meeting up this week with family members they haven’t seen in a while, and some of us need to mentally prepare ourselves so we’re not sucked into a political squabble that ruins Thanksgiving. University of Iowa professor and psychologist Michele Williams says to plan ahead and give some thought to good […]

Dear Annie: I’m tired of nitpicking and family squabbles ruining my Thanksgiving meal

Dear Annie: Every year, I host Thanksgiving for my family, and every year I start out with the same hopeful thought: “This time will be different.” I picture everyone laughing, passing dishes around, maybe even helping with the cleanup without being asked. But by the time the turkey is carved, the dream has gone up in smoke along with the sweet potatoes I forgot in the oven.

Dear Annie: How can I prevent family tension on Thanksgiving?

I'd like to set a calm, grateful tone for the day without sounding bossy or like I’m running group therapy.

5 Ways to Avoid Family Feuds This Thanksgiving

Family tensions during the holidays are preventable. Follow these 5 steps to avoid and de-escalate stressful situations.

Tips to avoid conversational meltdowns at the Thanksgiving table « KJAN | Radio Atlantic, IA – AM 1220

(Radio Iowa) – Many Iowans will be meeting up this week with family members they haven’t seen in a while, and some of us need to mentally prepare ourselves so we’re not sucked into a political squabble that ruins Thanksgiving. University of Iowa professor and psychologist Michele Williams says to plan ahead and give some thought to good conversation starters, things that don’t include inflation, health care, gas prices or the economy. “Think abo…