This advice column is from 10 Oct 21.
Would you heed the advice that Amy gave - if you were "Tired"?
Why or why not.
Dear Amy:
We are usually invited by nieces and nephews to join them for Thanksgiving dinner.
My problem concerns my brother, “Jack,” who inevitably brings up topics that we do not agree with (he believes that COVID is just a mild flu, vaccines are not useful, the last election was stolen, the current president is stupid, climate change is a hoax, etc.).
Most of the family supported the former president in the last election; we are probably the only ones in the family who voted Democratic.
At one of the last family get-togethers, Jack and another family member were having a discussion in front of my husband, saying that most Democrats don’t go to church and don’t have morals.
My husband didn’t say anything, but he was offended.
At one of the last family get-togethers, Jack and another family member were having a discussion in front of my husband, saying that most Democrats don’t go to church and don’t have morals.
My husband didn’t say anything, but he was offended.
Should I just tell Jack that I am tired of him bringing up inflammatory topics, and I am staying home?
I know he will not refrain from bringing up these topics, and he is very dogmatic in his views.
– Tired
Dear Tired: In addition to the political divide, you have described an incident where your husband was offended (for good reason), but didn’t respond.
Why not?
You seem extremely passive in the face of this onslaught, perhaps because it is overwhelming in the moment, but it seems to me that these family members aren’t starting arguments – because
All the same – it is galling to be lectured to, especially since your guy is in the White House.
You don’t need to invent an excuse in order to decline this year. Just tell them you’ve decided to take a break from politics.
Amy
Would you heed the advice that Amy gave - if you were "Tired"?
Why or why not.
Dear Amy:
We are usually invited by nieces and nephews to join them for Thanksgiving dinner.
My problem concerns my brother, “Jack,” who inevitably brings up topics that we do not agree with (he believes that COVID is just a mild flu, vaccines are not useful, the last election was stolen, the current president is stupid, climate change is a hoax, etc.).
Most of the family supported the former president in the last election; we are probably the only ones in the family who voted Democratic.
At one of the last family get-togethers, Jack and another family member were having a discussion in front of my husband, saying that most Democrats don’t go to church and don’t have morals.
My husband didn’t say anything, but he was offended.
At one of the last family get-togethers, Jack and another family member were having a discussion in front of my husband, saying that most Democrats don’t go to church and don’t have morals.
My husband didn’t say anything, but he was offended.
Should I just tell Jack that I am tired of him bringing up inflammatory topics, and I am staying home?
I know he will not refrain from bringing up these topics, and he is very dogmatic in his views.
– Tired
Dear Tired: In addition to the political divide, you have described an incident where your husband was offended (for good reason), but didn’t respond.
Why not?
You seem extremely passive in the face of this onslaught, perhaps because it is overwhelming in the moment, but it seems to me that these family members aren’t starting arguments – because
All the same – it is galling to be lectured to, especially since your guy is in the White House.
You don’t need to invent an excuse in order to decline this year. Just tell them you’ve decided to take a break from politics.
Amy
