{"id":2435,"date":"2014-11-26T15:31:23","date_gmt":"2014-11-26T15:31:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theswitch.us\/blog\/?p=2435"},"modified":"2014-11-27T15:02:21","modified_gmt":"2014-11-27T15:02:21","slug":"brad-brendans-thanksgiving-rules-engagement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/switch.us\/blog\/brad-brendans-thanksgiving-rules-engagement\/","title":{"rendered":"Brad and Brendan\u2019s T-Day Rules of Engagement"},"content":{"rendered":"
This year, it doesn\u2019t matter whom you sit next to at the dinner table. Our handy Thanksgiving Rules of Engagement are sure to liberate you from awkward or forced conversation. Enjoy it!<\/address>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here at Switch, we believe Thanksgiving is what you make it. Sure, it can be a stressful preface to the yuletide season \u2013 too many people brought pie, your roommate is hogging the oven for his \u201cFriendsgiving,\u201d etc. etc. But really, if you\u2019re lucky enough to be in the presence of family or friends this season, embrace it. All of it.<\/p>\n

A positive attitude will help keep your spirits bright \u2013 as will some help from us. Today, in honor of the eight original American colonies (don\u2019t Google that), we are excited to arm you with eight tried-and-true tips from our Sr. Digital Producer, Brad Lucas and Copywriter, Brendan Corcoran to not just survive \u2013 but thrive \u2013 at Thanksgiving 2014.<\/p>\n

Number 1: Put a simple house rule in place.<\/h1>\n

If you suspect you\u2019re in for a grueling holiday, do what any smart comedy club has done since the invention of the brick wall background: Enforce a two drink minimum for all patrons. It loosens the crowd, amps up the sentiment, and can spin even the most groan-worthy statements into fun, lighthearted larks. Of course, we ask you always enjoy responsibly, and would never insist this is absolutely necessary\u2026 but sometimes\u00a0it\u2019s absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n

\"drunk-uncle-gif\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Number 2: Stalk \u2018em on social media.<\/h1>\n

People generally enjoy talking about themselves \u2013 so if you want to be a smooth conversationalist this Thanksgiving, preparation is key. Take a few minutes to peruse your Aunt Joan\u2019s Facebook page \u2013 and behold the plethora of small talk starters. Write down your findings. She was recently tagged at an airport? Write down \u201ctrip.\u201d Your cousin has a new job? Write. It. Down. You might have to brace yourself for some major scrolling action to breach a wall of memes. But it\u2019s worth the effort. And you\u2019ll remember why you hid them from your news feed. Break out the notebook in between bites of green bean casserole to comment on your Uncle\u2019s new interest in Shetland Ponies. He\u2019ll be tickled pink.<\/p>\n

\"modern-family-social-media\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Number 3: Never ask questions that can be answered simply with a \u201cyes\u201d or \u201cno.\u201d<\/h1>\n

Turkey takes a long time to cook. Part of your job as a Thanksgiving attendee is to help fill up the empty spaces with small talk \u2013 so avoid asking questions that can be addressed with a one-word response. Instead of asking \u201cHey Mike, didn\u2019t you get dumped?\u201d phrase it like \u201cHey Mike, how\u2019s the single life?\u201d I mean \u2013 you know he was dumped. Everyone knows.<\/p>\n

\"...the<\/a><\/p>\n

Number 4: Don\u2019t ask questions that can have religious or political responses.<\/h1>\n

So in other words\u2026 Maybe \u201cyes\u201d or \u201cno\u201d questions aren\u2019t all that bad. Start with \u201cWho needs a refill?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"tumblr_meu0kggvyo1qbvbbio1_500\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Number 5: Comment on how people look<\/h1>\n

Good: \u201cAunt June, your tan looks great! How was Cabo?\u201d
\nBad: \u201cGood to see you, Tiffany! Are you pregnant?\u201d
\nGood: \u201cDan, I love your blazer. Is that herringbone?\u201d
\nBad: \u201cWhat happened to your face?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"reallypretty1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Number 6: No one is pregnant.<\/h1>\n

\u2026Unless they specifically walk up to you and say \u201cI\u2019m pregnant.\u201d Or clink their glass and announce it at the table. Even then, you should deny it. Just don\u2019t go there.<\/p>\n

\"100881-Anchorman-I-dont-believe-you-g-DJwt\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Number 7: If all else fails\u2026<\/h1>\n

Show up with a Crave Case \u2122. Your family will not appreciate it at first. Just telling it like it is. But a few hours post-turkey, a little snack will be welcomed. Keep it 2\/3 no cheese and 1\/3 cheese.<\/p>\n

\"tumblr_mtlin6j3BC1sp5a1fo1_r1_500\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Number 8: Share a little history trivia.<\/h1>\n

While Thanksgiving had been celebrated since 1789 in the East Coast, it wasn\u2019t until President Lincoln declared it to be a national holiday in 1863 that the tradition spread across the nation. Interestingly enough, our country was in the middle of a civil war when Lincoln chose to designate a holiday during which to give thanks for the things and people in our lives. Gratitude is always appropriate.<\/p>\n

\"abe-lincoln-party-on-dudes\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We hope you have a joyous Thanksgiving. Have fun and be safe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This year, it doesn\u2019t matter whom you sit next to at the dinner table. Our handy Thanksgiving Rules of Engagement are sure to liberate you from awkward or forced conversation. 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