On Thanksgiving Day, I will Not Be Happy!!!!!!

[vfefrenzy]

My question is apolitical and simply statistical. As I said, my sample size of personal knowledge is incredibly small, which is why I'm asking for more data. I couldn't care less whether the results point one way or the other, but I would be interested to see if any correlation exists between pipe-smoking and political preference. I don't even need to know anyone's individual thoughts on politics so much as their observations of the pipe-smoking community at large. One doesn't have to be conservative in the least to recognize that my home state is incredibly conservative; in fact, the less conservative one is, the more one tends to notice.
I apologize if my asking was inappropriate, it certainly isn't my intent to cause discord.

 

[crazypipe]

I would not be going, I could never eat with folks like that.

And if my wife did not like it then oh well. Why would your wife do that to you, go to a dinner were nobody likes you. :crazy:

 

[weezell]

I apologize if my asking was inappropriate, it certainly isn't my intent to cause discord

vfefrenzy, it's all good! No offence taken by anyone I'm sure. From my observations, a lot of conservative folks smoke pipes, but so does the left. Frankly, who gives a shit, it ain't about politics, it's about tobacco...

 

[weezell]

By the way, WELCOME BROTHER...

 

[frank13]

You know, in all seriousness, I would go and I would remain detached, determined to be cool, comfortable, and refrain from discussing politics. I'd be cordial and friendly, and if politics happened to come up, I'd just smile and listen, all the while, refusing to take the bait. An argument is only possible if both sides participate. "The only way to win is not to play."
Were I in your unenviable position, my friend, this is what I would do.

 

[fnord]

This is one of the best threads I've read in months!
Indy, keep biting you tongue and continue taking the high road. In the long run, they'll either come around or be just that much more appreciative of how you've treated their daughter/niece/granddaughter through the years.
Eventually, mate, you'll win out.
Fnord

 

[wyfbane]

Condolences, man. I think you are on track with your plans and wanted to vent a bit here. Of course with your kid/grandkid in the mix you are a bit hamstrung in your ability to 'stick it' to the inlaws.
You didn't mention this, but: do your wife and kid(s) differ from you too?
I have a couple friends married like that, but I could never do that.
Whatever a person's political philosophy is, it is a large part of them.
To be with someone but have to overlook such a huge glaring disagreement would never work for me.
So I, too will raise a glass for you.
I DO agree with the passive/aggressive idea of loading up on pickled eggs, chili, cheese/sour cream, garlic and onions, and beer the night before. No reason you can't add some flavor to that tofurkey, even if it is from across the room.

 

[dochudson]

You know, in all seriousness, I would go and I would remain detached, determined to be cool, comfortable, and refrain from discussing politics. I'd be cordial and friendly, and if politics happened to come up, I'd just smile and listen, all the while, refusing to take the bait. An argument is only possible if both sides participate. "The only way to win is not to play."
Were I in your unenviable position, my friend, this is what I would do.

this is the perfect play..

 

[tslex]

I'm just wondering how vegans manage Thanksgiving dinner. Horrifying to contemplate.

 

[newbroom]

I am reminded of this song.

Traffic/All Join InAll Join In
at least "leftys" got a Thanksgiving Day song.

Alices's RestaurantAlice's Restaurant

 

[indianafrank]

Your comments are appreciated. Especially the ideas about sweet potatoes, beer, and pickled eggs. I’ve been laughing my way through many of the suggestions.
In answer to some of you, I will of course be as diplomatic and unassuming as possible.
My wife is not forcing me to go. I am going so that I can spend time with my son, and grand-daughter who I do not get to see that often. They are coming from D.C. The entire family is going to the outlaws home.
AS for watching football that day, which has always been a tradition for me, well, they do not like football, nor do they want the TV on when visitors are there.
As for them being vegans and vegetarians on turkey day. They will cook a turkey, and vegan plates as well. However. I won’t eat much. I’d rather eat my shoe. Have you ever watched the movie, “Christmas Vacation?” The scene where they are trying to eat the turkey?

 

[okiescout]

Indiana, you come on down to Indian country. You sound like our kind of people! But as my brother and I do not agree, and I love him, we have agreed to disagree, and eat turkey in peace. Sounds like you have done that and been there, so enjoy the best you can. We will smoke a bowl for you. Enjoy the granddaughter. Maybe you can teach her to shoot soon. That would choke up the outlaws. :mrgreen:

 

[indianafrank]

Okiescout, thank you.

 

[instymp]

Never had the Tofu stuff, but had "Mock Turkey". Sucks but better than Tofu.

I usually drink too much & tell everyone why they are wrong & gets wife pissed & won't talk to me for a week. I embarrassed the hell of her, yada yada yada.

But now that I am an old fart, they accept me for what I am, drink less cause they know I am right & leave me alone. :lol:

 

[danielplainview]

You should wear a Rand Paul 2016 shirt on thanksgiving. It would be epic.

 

[simnettpratt]

I had to drive my mom the other day in the Miata, and I had the top down. You have to wear a hat, or the Miata will do things to your hair that are not physically possible. I had my cap on and gave her the spare. She was really pissed when she took it off and found it was my NRA cap.
I just got an awesome email from my bro-in-law. He's being forced to go to his parent's house (yuck), then to his outlaw's house (my mom's). I'd just told him I was going to use my broken car (won't go into gear - needs clutch master cylinder), to avoid going to the parental's house. He wrote me back:
"Yup. It's always a fucking drama fest at my folks place. Brenda's house afterward for condescension and arrogance sprinkled with passive aggression."
Perfect

 

[lucky695]

Ahhhh Family!

 

[indianafrank]

danielplainview say's -"You should wear a Rand Paul 2016 shirt on thanksgiving. It would be epic."
WOW, what a great idea! Gonna search the web for one. Thanks,

 

[warren]

Just go and console yourself with the thought that you have a wife you can make happy so easily. Go! Be the better man. It's one day out of the year. It's just a few hours of discomfort out of your life.
I find it interesting that many spend so much time building up the resentment, a week in advance, so that the day can't possibly go smoothly. Trust me, there are worse ways to spend Thanksgiving. I suggest going, being polite, all the while being silently "thankful" that you don't live next door to your in-laws even as you thank them for your loving spouse. That'll throw them off balance!

 

[frank13]

Ah, and the final cap on the day, is to not complain to your bride about her family. After having attended, feeling good about not being baited into a political discussion, then cap it off by not complaining to your bride on the way home. As far as she knows, you had a thoroughly enjoyable time. (Later, in the privacy of the garage, feel free to let loose with the blackest sorts of curses.) :twisted: