This time of year can be stressful: shopping, guests arriving, dinner planning, and more. The political situations surrounding the world can add additional stress. I found this article by Lisa Sharp on her website. She provides some great tips for avoiding drama during this season. Some of the suggestions are perfect for this coming holiday.
I especially like the one about having an Established “No (topic of your choice)” Zones or Times. One of the things that consistently happens when we have guests over is how the conversation always turns to health and how messed up we are physically. Well, last week, we had company for dinner, and Lutz devised a great idea. I have this two-minute sand-timer, and he announced, “We have more to talk about than our health, so here’s the deal. When anyone starts describing their aches and pains, the sand-timer begins, and after two minutes, you’re done!
This plan worked so well that we used it for our next dinner guests. We actually talked and learned so much about our neighbors.
Give this article a try, and let me know what you think.
I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.