Is Thanksgiving sneaking up on anyone else?
Corey slapped me in the face with it yesterday. I had no idea it was coming up so soon...

Usually I would hear from my aunt about dinner at her house by now, but she and her daughter have been having serious problems- at least my cousin is back on drugs again, my aunt may be using now too, and she has/had been having money problems.
I mostly hope we won't be doing it this year. My family, with the exception of my other aunt and my father (who won't be there), only care about me on that particular day of the year, and they are insufferable.

And Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday.

Corey and I have a separate dinner alone together every year, and I would much rather spend the whole holiday alone with him.

I will have to buy my turkey breast soon, but not too soon, because I always buy a fresh one.

that is so depressing. I hope you and corey and the kitties spend it alone together!
love
bobby
I'll spend it alone with my kitties. I bought a turkey breast frozen which I think I will have vanessa cook it tomorrow and maybe get another one

Bobby, Nice that you have a plan for Vanessa to cook the turkey for you.

Kay, Enjoy your day with your husband.

Hubby likes turkey but we do not coordinate to make a plan re whether
buying a cooked one or raw one.
We both feel really busy at work this time of year.
We usually decide on a quiet day with our regular foods.

M

I am making my usual "green bean casserole" for 12.
and crawfish dip that everyone liked so well last year.(hope I wrote down the recipe somewhere????)
We are going to a pot luck again, we should know everyone there.
I still get social anxiety when I am around people even though I know them. People usually ask you to engage in conversations and then you have to able to keep up in the conversation.
These are university people, highly educated....
sigh
bizi

I hope all will work out for the best. The Norman-Rockwell version isn't something many people experience, alas. We'll be going to see my mother and sister and eating out at a restaurant Thanksgiving buffet. It's easier on all of us.

good to see you again.
bizi

They probably like talking about
their travel last summer or over Christmas
their pets / children / grandchildren / projects / the food at the party/
things they like to cook or eat / any sports team / music /


Talking is about being good a listener and somehow doing
a follow up question sometimes (not always).
You do have a genuine interest in people.
That shows and that's what people at a party would like about you.


Follow up Questions for those with Social Anxiety Disorder:
Asking Small Talk Follow-Up Questions When You Have SAD

How to Be a Good Listener (with Examples) - wikiHow

How to Mingle With Strangers at Parties (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Conversation Starters: How To Make Small Talk | Shape Magazine


M

Also, sometimes I touch people while I am talking ---


--- usually their forearm.


Kind of like a tap to make a point or show a connection.


I do not do it often but I can do it sometimes.


M

I read the articles, great ideas, thank you!
Acknowledging the truth that I have social anxiety disorder is half the battle.
Practicing should help. Thaksgiving will be full of people that I know.
I could simply ask them what they are doing for the holidays? and then ask them about their families and their traditions. or what are their favorite foods they like at christmas? This should keep them talking.
bizi

Yes!


You've got this. And you can talk about yourself so you are not only listening but engaging too. People do care what you have to say.



The only thing is that some families are divided politically and
do not look forward to the holidays or are planning on having
smaller meals /fewer relatives.


M