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The past few weeks in my treatment room I've had different versions of what feels like the same conversation:

"I just need to get through Thanksgiving."

Some clients are managing the duties of hosting like a professional caterer. (That's us. 🙋‍♀️)

Others are doing Olympic-level schedule coordination to make it to several meals in the same day.

Either way, there's usually a factor of "... and I have to talk to so-and-so."

You know the one I'm talking about. 👀

They're the family member you have nothing in common with.

The one who's a bit awkward. Maybe there's history.

Or worse, (I'll say it) they have political opinions that make you lose your appetite.

And yet, you can't really get out of spending time with them.

So Reader, my tip for you this week is how you can get through this holiday with grace, compassion, and maybe even a little fun.

Here's 3 techniques to put in your back pocket for the big Turkey Day:

1. Ask questions. Learning to cultivate genuine curiosity about another person's ideas and experience is one of the best ways to improve your relationships.
2. Try paraphrasing. Most of the time, we naturally want to talk about ourselves. See what happens when you instead repeat back to the person you're talking to what they said. To make it feel most natural, just do it 25-50% of the time.
3. Play games! Games are a great way to interact in a low-stake way with people you may or may not have things in common with. Plus, it makes the topic of conversation less serious and lightens the mood.

(We just ordered a pack of Madlibs to bust out during the appetizers!)

I know that this issue isn't just limited to this holiday, but it's something we deal with year-round.

That's why Kelly and I are starting a podcast all about how we can learn to be with difference in ways that help us all learn and grow.

It's called Being Different Together. The trailer is out now!

We'll start sharing weekly episodes on Thursdays starting January 1.

But check out our trailer and if you feel so inclined, be sure to follow and leave a rating + review.

Oh and hey, if you try out any of these tips let me know how it goes!

I'll be sure to share how these Madlibs turnout. 😉

In Joy,
​Nyssa

P.S. My annual Holiday Gift Certificate special is LIVE. From now until Dec. 5th, you can save on massages for you and yours. Get yours here. (Yes, you CAN buy them for yourself too!)

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