The holiday season is a time of giving. Giving thanks, giving gifts and giving unsolicited opinions. Sophomore Elizabeth Colby, an English major, is planning ways to defuse dinner disputes.

“Like most families on Thanksgiving, we always get in a heated argument about politics,” she said. “Since everyone in my family has different viewpoints, we all bicker about which side we are on.

“Most of the time… I keep my thoughts and opinions to myself,” said Colby. “I try not to be in the mix of the annual family political argument.”

Through the years, she has learned a few tricks to sidestep arguments. 

The first?

“Just become a glutton at the dining table,” she said.

When family members share their thoughts and opinions, she becomes diplomatic.

“I don’t get upset and confrontational,” she said. “When people are talking about their beliefs I just nod and play along. I don’t ask any sort of political questions.”

She has a list of non-argumentative topics at the ready.

“Some topics that I would bring up would be school, friends, work and my absolute favorite topic to talk about: my piano,” said Colby.

The strategies are second nature to Colby

“I took on a more passive role…because people won’t ask what your opinion is on a certain matter,” she said. “I’ve always been the quiet one in my family, so just having a more passive role is part of who I am today.”

Finally, when things get heated, she takes a step out the door.

“Leave early before anything gets too messy with your family,” said Colby. “Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and opinions, but on Thanksgiving how about we just give thanks and enjoy the food.”