“Leftovers or Last Year’s Mystery? The Thanksgiving Dish That Divided a Family!”
The author also argued with her mother, so she asked the internet if her actions were uncalled for
Image credits: TheUniMermaid
Unresolved pains are usually the cause of conflicts during family gatherings
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
The sister-in-law’s mother passed away fairly recently, and the sweet potato casserole was a tribute. The author’s comments likely triggered her, compounding her grief.
Family therapist Vienna Pharaon says these “unresolved pains” can easily trigger arguments during a supposedly festive celebration like Thanksgiving dinner.
“All it takes is one look, one complaint, or that one comment to set off a conflict the family knows all too well,” Pharaon told CNBC in an interview.
Thanksgiving gets a bad rap for being a “dramatic” holiday, and for good reason. You’ve likely read our numerous stories on the topic. But why is that?
Licensed psychotherapist Dugyu Balan points to the “pseudo-celebrations” that happen during the latter part of the year. In her article for Psychology Today, she notes how it makes people engage in “forced gratitude” to capture picture-perfect moments for social media.
“The pressure to keep spirits high and smiles camera-ready can be overwhelming, often triggering anxiety and depression,” she wrote.
If tensions rise during dinner, experts like psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington say the best move is to keep your cool. If you notice yourself getting heated, lower your voice and speak calmly.
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