FROM FOX NEWS: With the holidays approaching, many families are bracing for what can quickly become tense dinner conversations.
Celebrity physician Dr. Drew Pinsky shared practical advice for navigating the season with calm and connection — starting with knowing which topics to leave off the table.
While the holidays can be overwhelming, Dr. Drew shared how he personally handles seasonal stress — and his advice is surprisingly simple: stick to the basics.
“Well, I think we’re all kind of aware these days that talking about politics does not exactly lead to a great evening, which is sad,” he told Fox News Digital. “I wish we could just … share each other’s ideas and not think that people are good or bad because of it.”
“Parenting may not be a great topic at the Thanksgiving dinner because people get very defensive these days. And so, when you feel people’s stomachs tightening up, you almost can feel it across the table.”
Dr. Drew, the host of “Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew,” added finances to the list as well.
“Avoid those topics — money, kids, politics. Let’s just have a good time this holiday.”
Dr. Drew said that in a situation where a person is insisting on sharing their view, the best practice is to listen more than you speak.
“Do not be defensive and do not be certain of anything, that’s irrational. It’s irrational to be certain — but ask lots of questions,” he continued.
He suggested something called “therapeutic wonderment.”
“If you really want to get through to somebody, confronting them goes nowhere. But to go, ‘I’m wondering why that is’ … even when you know the answer, ‘I wonder why you feel that way. I’m wondering why you thought that was the case.’ And just listen. They will come around on their own, maybe to a better place.”
Dr. Drew shared his defense against seasonal stress.
“Exercise works for me … sleeping adequately and staying focused on what’s important. Spend time with your family, work out a little bit, get proper sleep. It’s the basics. Just stay with the basics — when you really get right down to it, that will get you pretty far,” he said.
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