Using curiosity to save Thanksgiving dinner from political arguments

There are plenty of political topics to be hashed out over Thanksgiving dinners in the D.C. area.

Many would say politics should be barred from holiday celebrations. But a George Mason University professor’s findings could offer insight in how to discuss politics without a holiday brawl.

Todd Kashdan is the lead author of a study that looked to encourage conversations between people on opposite ends of the political spectrum.

There’s a couple strategies to bridge the gap, recommended by Kashdan, a professor of psychology at Mason and the founder of the Well-Being Laboratory.

Should someone make a remark you find outlandish, he said consider replying, “I wasn’t going to say anything but … I totally apologize if this comes off the wrong way, but I’m really anxious even to say anything.