Thanksgiving Dinner Stress: 3 Conversation Skills to Reduce Anxiety
Thanksgiving is a time where family and friends get together to celebrate, reflect on the year, and give thanks. For people who suffer from social anxiety, the holidays can be a time of stress and anxiousness. If you know that you’re going to be in a social situation that makes you anxious, try to prepare for it ahead of time. This may mean writing down what you plan to say, or rehearsing in front of a mirror. The more prepared you feel, the less anxious you’ll be.
Tips for Starting A Conversation At Dinner
The holidays are a time for family and friends to catch up- and that means ample time for conversations. But what do you talk about when you’re all sitting around the Thanksgiving table? If you feel anxious about socializing during the holidays, there are steps you can take to make the experience easier. Here are 3 tips for starting and carrying conversations- so you can focus on enjoying yourself, rather than worrying about what to say.
- Find common ground.
One of the best ways to start a conversation is to find something you have in common with the other person. What are your shared interests? Hobbies? Passions? Try to focus on topics that aren’t too personal – like the food, the decor, or the company.
- Ask questions.
The best way to start a conversation at dinner is by asking a question. You can ask about the person’s day, their family, or their job. If they work in a different industry than you do, it can be interesting to ask them about what they do and how it compares to your career. You can also ask them about their hobbies or interests. Don’t be afraid to ask people about their lives. People love to talk about themselves, so ask them about their jobs, their families, and their hobbies.
- Conversation Starters
Whether you’re gearing up for Thanksgiving dinner or any other get-together this season, having a few conversation starters in your back pocket can make the experience much more enjoyable for everyone. So gather round the Thanksgiving table, take a deep breath, and enjoy some quality conversation with your loved ones. From discussing your favorite Thanksgiving dishes to sharing memories of past Thanksgivings, these conversation starters will help get the ball rolling.
- Ask someone what the best part of the day is so far?
- Ask someone what they are most looking forward to for the day.
- Stick to safe topics like food, and travel. Ask someone if they are planning a trip or would like to go somewhere in the upcoming year.
- Compliment someone’s outfit or Thanksgiving decorations.
- Talk about your favorite Thanksgiving memories. Or discuss any funny Thanksgiving mishaps over the years.
- Ask someone about their job or latest project.
- Tell a funny story or joke.
- Share a piece of wisdom you’ve learned this year.
- “If you had to eat only one food on this table for an entire year, which one would it be?”
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