Talking politics with family and friends at the holidays is supposed to be a big no-no. But sometimes you can’t help yourself. So if you’re going to walk down that dangerous road, we at least wanted to provide a few pointers. This week, Kara Holsopple chatted with psychologist Mary Beth Mannarino about how you can take on issues like climate change at Thanksgiving—but avoid a family feud. Here are some highlights from the interview:
On how to deal with hot button issues like climate change at family gatherings
“Thanksgiving is a time when you’re supposed to gather together and get along. I wouldn’t recommend doing something that’s going to be very disruptive. But I also think that it’s fair that each person should be able to express their opinions. What we find when we talk about climate change or other environmental issues is if you reach out and ask the other person about their beliefs and show a genuine interest in it and why they feel so strongly about it, then you’re meeting them where they are. Then you can say something like—I’ve done a lot of thinking about this as well and here are some things I’ve done to educate myself about it. So meet them where they are, and then express yourself in a way that respects that they might be different.”
For more on what to do if things get heated and why environmental issues are so charged, find the full story on the site of our partner Allegheny Front.
