DODGING THANKSGIVING AWKWARDNESS Conversations Appropriate for the Dinner Table
Thanksgiving conversation is often a minefield of topics: political divides, your English degree, and Aunt Marjory’s insistence that you meet her neighbor’s cousin’s dog walker’s uncle’s son who’s a fantastic up-and-coming podiatrist. Between constantly passing the potatoes and dodging your relatives’ questions, Thanksgiving can be an exhausting holiday. But it’s a day to be grateful for what and whom you have in your life. So why do so many people leave their annual gatherings feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood? This year, when the conversation begins veering in an awkward direction, try these conversation redirects for a more relaxing and fulfilling holiday. 1. WHAT’S YOUR PET BEEN UP TO? Maybe Fluffy learned a new trick or Oscar is undergoing some intensive grooming next week. Whatever the case may be, people love to talk about their pets. 2. WHAT THANKSGIVING DISH CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? Without going culinary critic on your grandma’s meal, gush about your favorite dish. Just like with pets, people love discussing foods and recipes. You may start a fun debate or a recipe swap with this question. 3. DAD DID WHAT AS A KID? Getting to know your relatives, friends, and significant others better will only strengthen those bonds. You’ll likely hear some interesting stories you can share with others and forge a stronger connection with your relatives. But tread carefully and be kind so as not to open any old wounds.
4. STUPID HUMAN TRICKS, ANYONE? Let’s see those double joints! This one might not be for the squeamish at the dinner table, but it’s a fun, goofy activity that’s best shared over a glass of after-dinner wine. 5. HOW ABOUT WE GET COFFEE? Sometimes part of the stress of answering your relatives’ questions stems from holiday pressures. It may force you to address your bank account, love life, and general life choices. If you really do want to talk about your job or your love life with relatives, suggest meeting up again without the holiday atmosphere. While you’re all in one place trying to enjoy a piece of pie, plan a family winery tour, beach day, or camping trip. Family situations will always be a little stressful, but without the pressure of the holidays, you might feel more relaxed.
CONSIDER YOUR HVAC OPTIONS
HOW TO SELECT THE PROPER SYSTEM WHEN BUILDING A HOME
every penny to get everything available on the market. Make a list of the features you know you want and need in your home and make those a priority. By the same token, don’t skimp on your HVAC system. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer while also filtering the air in your home. It’s an important system that should be budgeted for correctly. GET OPINIONS Chat with your neighbors about their systems. Talk to HVAC experts about what they would recommend. Mention your choices to your contractor. People in your neighborhood and the experts who work with these materials every day are the best sources of information to help you find the HVAC system that fits your home. Your neighbors will understand the climate of the area you live in, while your contractor and HVAC experts will have industry knowledge to point you in the right direction.
There are so many benefits to building a home. You can design it just how you
want it, you get to pick your ideal location, and you can choose which HVAC system to install! Okay, maybe that last one isn’t as exciting as the others, but it’s certainly one of the most important. When you’re building your next home — or even remodeling it — consider some of these important HVAC selection tips to keep your home feeling just right for you. CONSIDER YOUR LOCATION If you’re battling brutal winters, you likely won’t need the biggest and best air conditioning system on the market. It’s easy to get lost and confused in the cluster of luxurious bells and whistles of the many systems, but pinpointing what you need based on where you live will help you narrow down the kind of system you need to install.
If you need help selecting the HVAC system for your home, or if you’re looking for an efficient installation, call Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley at 845-256- 6158 or visit www.aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley .
HONOR YOUR PRICE TAG Again, it’s easy to get lost in all the features of green efficiency and masterful filtration systems, but you shouldn’t stretch
aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley 2
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