Ah, Thanksgiving—the time for Turkey, overeating and lively conversations with family. While it’s a day meant for gratitude, the reality is the dinner table can often feel like a dysfunctional high-stakes poker game. Emotions are running high, everyone has an agenda, and it’s all about playing your cards right to keep the peace. Luckily, we’ve got some tips to help you navigate even the most challenging friends and family dynamics this holiday.
1. Read the Room Like a Poker Pro
At the poker table, players pay close attention to their opponents tells—subtle non-verbal cues that reveal their true intentions. At the Thanksgiving table, reading the room can help you steer clear of heated debates before they even start. If you notice Cousin Jake’s jaw clenching every time someone mentions politics, it’s time to change the subject. A switch in topic to the weather or a comment about dessert can be your saving grace.
2. Perfect your PokerFace
When Aunt Nancy insists on delving into your love life or Uncle Bob wants to dissect the most recent conspiracy theories, it’s not enough to rely on Botox to keep your face from revealing your true feelings. Now’s the time to channel your inner poker pro and perfect that poker face. No eye-rolls, no raised eyebrows—just a calm, neutral expression that says, ‘I’m listening’ while your brain is screaming, ‘Please stop.’ If you really want to up your game, throw on a pair of sunglasses to add a little mystery.
3. Negotiate Your Position (and the Last Piece of Pie)
Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect time to practice your negotiation skills. Instead of engaging in direct confrontation, look for creative ways to trade favors. Want the last piece of pumpkin pie? Offer to do the dishes in exchange. Need someone to pass on a potentially controversial topic? Offer to refill their wine glass. It’s all about creating win-win scenarios where everyone leaves the table not only full, but happy.
4. Know When to Fold ‘Em
In poker, knowing when to fold is a key skill. The same goes for Thanksgiving conversations. Not every argument is worth pursuing, and sometimes the best way to keep the peace is to simply fold and move on. If Aunt Sandy insists that her cranberry sauce is the best, let her win that hand. Smile, nod, and save your energy for a more important play (like negotiating who gets to take a nap on the couch).
5. Thanksgiving is About Gratitude, Not Grandstanding
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks and enjoying time with those you care about. By channeling your inner poker pro and using these negotiation strategies, you can help ensure the holiday remains relatively harmonious—even when the conversation gets tricky. And remember: it’s not about having the best hand, but about playing your hand well.
And if all else fails, pull out a deck of cards and get everyone distracted at the Poker Table.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Want to sharpen your negotiation skills beyond the dinner table?
Join a PokerDivas workshop to learn how to use poker strategies in everyday life, from acing business deals to navigating family dynamics. You’ll walk away with the confidence and skills to win any negotiation—no matter what the stakes.
