While Thanksgiving brings pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce, it can also lead to awkward interactions with family you haven't seen in a while and other things you may not expect. In the spirit of being thankful, keep these things in mind while you're waiting for turkey day. Come armed and ready to have an enjoyable (as much as possible) Thanksgiving dinner.
1. Have some kind of elevator pitch ready (almost like you're networking but not really).
Be prepared so you're ready when six people in a row ask you what's new. Also, this way when your great aunt (who you haven't seen in about three years) asks you why you don't have your life figured out, you'll have something to say. So, no I don't have a job and a boyfriend, but I am involved in a bunch of clubs and am taking some pretty cool classes this semester! Then, ask her questions about her life. Turn the tables... It's time for old Aunt Sue to be in the hot seat!
2. Bring food you like.
Chances are, whoever is hosting your thanksgiving dinner will have good food. But, just in case it is questionable, bring a dish you love! Even if you get interrogated by several relatives and are sitting at the wrong part of the table, you'll have something to look forward to.
3. Wear something comfortable!
There is nothing worse than a terrible stomach ache from wearing pants that are too tight. Don't be that person that needs to unbutton their pants at the end of the meal, or on the way home. Go with a dress (not belted) or nice leggings and a blouse. Most people don't wear evening gowns for thanksgiving, so no one should be offended if you show up wearing leggings. If you plan on eating your share of turkey and everything else, you should come dressed for it!
4. Be appreciative that you're not in class.
You could be in class, taking an exam or suffering through another extremely dry lecture. You're lucky to be home, with your food already made and your laundry magically done and folded on your bed.
5. Try to be thankful.
No matter how annoying your relatives start to be, or how tasteless that new tofurkey your cousins brought is, you know that there's something to be thankful for. Whether it's your sister that's suffering through the awkward conversations with you, or your dad who offers to go for hamburgers after you leave starving (warning: tofurkey isn't filling), think of what you're thankful for and that will get you through the day. You have people to share the holiday with and food to enjoy. The people around your table, no matter how annoying they can be at times, care about you and are there for you when you need them.
