The Kind Way to Cancel Your Thanksgiving Plans
In recent days, the nationwide surge in Covid cases has led scores of Americans to cancel their Thanksgiving travel plans. Yet, even with the big day right around the corner, not everyone has worked up the courage to break this news to Mom and Dad. And, well, the reasons why are fairly obvious.
In P.S. I Love You, the writer Crystal Jackson lays out a few ground rules for working up the courage to have a tough conversation. Though Jackson is writing about healthy conflict resolution within families, the advice applies to “potentially breaking Mom’s heart about your holiday change of plans,” too:
Speak up now, not later. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll get.
Speak from experience instead of a place of blaming or shaming. Maybe you’ve been following the news more carefully than your family. Share where you’re coming from.
Keep what you say kind and respectful. Even if your decision is met with disappointment, remember that it’s coming from a place of love. Try to avoid getting frustrated, even if your beloved parental unit…
