Introducing Our New Podcast, Teach Me Something New!

1. Choose your battles ahead of time.

You're not going to change everyone's opinion about all of the things over the course of a meal and a football game. You might want to show up ready for a duel of words with your Facebook-meme-king cousin, but that's just going to put your opinionated family member on the offensive from the moment you walk in. Decide ahead of time if there's one issue that you really cannot keep your mouth shut about if it comes up, and have two or three talking points ready that clarify your position on that topic. If your hot button does get pushed, your talking points will help you keep from making things personal.

2. Confer with the host.

If you feel comfortable with the person that's organizing or hosting Thanksgiving, speak to him or her in advance about how you can be on Team Keep the Peace. Most people aren't keen on a political brouhaha breaking out around their dinner table, so they'll probably be relieved to hear that you're on board and willing to help make the day go smoothly for everyone. Brainstorm some ideas about seating arrangements or wholesome activities to fill the idle family time that can lead to trading barbs.

3. Make it a game.

Caitlin Bergstein, a Boston-based matchmaker and relationship expert for Three Day Rule, suggests a fun twist on the swear jar concept. “If your family is up for the challenge, you can even make it a game. Each time someone mentions something political, they have to put a dollar in a jar (or take a drink, depending on how your family celebrates the holiday). At the end of the night, that cash can be put aside for the next family get together!"

4. Have a moment of silence.

Sometimes the idea of a quiet table can be intimidating (all those chewing noises!), but encouraging a moment of reflection among your holiday guests can actually be transformative. Whether you observe several seconds of silence in honor of relatives you've lost, as a way to silently acknowledge your individual blessings, or as an act of prayer or meditation, you've hopefully brought the room back to focus on each other's company and the gift that it is to be together.

5. Be an active listener.

If your one doggedlypersistent aunt can't let go of her obsession with the latest political scandal, reconsider what she's actually trying to tell you. Chances are, it's not just about what she saw on the news. “Assume that your polarizing relative actually probably just wants to connect, feel respected, and reduce their own anxiety about holiday gatherings, and interpret even difficult behavior as such," advises Mary Fisher, a Salt Lake City psychotherapist who specializes in family relationships. “Express the desire to connect while redirecting the conversation," Fisher recommends. Emphasize the fact that you're interested in protecting the time your family spends together. That can help soften the blow when you ask to instead hear them share a family memory or talk about a hobby you both share.

6. Disengage.

Remember that if angry words or offensive language start flying at you across the sweet potato pie, you don't have to respond. Have a script in mind to use, something like, “While I hear where you're coming from, I don't share your opinion, and I'm done talking about it today." Convey the message that you're quite clear on the matter being discussed, and you're not going to take the bait. You may have to repeat yourself several times, or you may choose to remain silent until things cool down around you. Either one is okay.

7. Duck out early.

If you feel like you have to retreat from the situation entirely, do it. One of the best things about being an adult is leaving when you want to leave. You don't have to subject yourself, your spouse, or your family to any kind of dialogue that is insulting, bigoted, or aggressive. Fisher shares these words of advice: “While we might think that the holidays are the time to resolve differences, they are actually the time to affirm and nurture connection, which can be an uphill battle with politically polarizing relatives." If you don't feel like a connection is being nurtured and the environment is not good for you to be in, say goodbye and make a break for it.

“Gilmore Girls fall—it’s a thing,” Owala’s site reads. “If you’re the kind of person who needs coffee in an IV, we’ve got the mugs for you. Choose from Luke’s Diner or The Dragonfly Inn… or get both. We know Lorelai would.” This collab is already perfection!

The Gilmore Girls Owala drop honors both The Dragonfly Inn and Luke’s Diner with two super cute cup designs.

The first is a cream white 20-ounce SmoothSip Slider dotted with purple dragonflies. The lid is a bold yellow color fitted with a lavender slider that’s used to conveniently open and close the cup.

The second 20-ounce SmoothSip Slider flaunts a brown and yellow logo for Luke’s Diner with a color-coordinated lid and slider. We truly can’t pick a favorite!

Both SmoothSip Slider cups feature an insulated stainless steel lining that keeps contents hot up to 6 hours or cold up to 24 hours. The cups are certifiably BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free. The lid on each cup is dishwasher-safe, while the cups themselves should be hand-washed only.

This upcoming Gilmore Girls collab is part of Owala’s Color Drop program, which means it’s bound to sell out. However, if the drop sells out in an hour or less, it’ll automatically open for backorders, which ship 10-12 weeks after purchase. Previous drops have featured limited-edition water bottle colorways and even a fun Valentine's Day vault.

The Gilmore Girls x Owala collab will be available to shop on February 11 at 10am MT. You can shop each SmoothSip Slider for $32.99 a pop, or bundle the duo for $65.98. According to reviews from shoppers, this style of Owala is the “perfect to go coffee cup” and is “truly leak-proof.”