Keeping the Peace This Holiday Season
Bill and Megan share tips for avoiding and defusing conflict at holiday gatherings. They offer insights from their work at the High Conflict Institute.

In this timely episode, Bill and Megan explain how to prevent and de-escalate heated arguments that often arise when families reconnect after time apart. Listeners gain practical techniques to maintain a peaceful, enjoyable atmosphere.

Avoiding Hot-Button Topics
Bill notes that the high-emotion holidays can bring out uncontrolled behavior in some. He suggests posting a respectful gathering policy and having “minders” to gently redirect tense interactions.

Megan explores preparation strategies like using self-talk and conversation redirection. Scheduling reminders helps you remember useful tools in the moment.

Defusing Tensions
Bill advocates saving sensitive discussions for one-on-one talks, where polarization decreases. Groups often split into factions and fuel discord.

Megan shares a touching example of connection occurring when two mothers met and shared their grief privately. Individual stories build bridges.

Why It Matters
Bill and Megan provide simple but powerful ways to maintain self-control and model peaceful conflict resolution this season. Their advice offers pathways to joyful gatherings.

Questions we answer:

• How can hosts set ground rules for respectful interactions?
• What tools can help individuals avoid unproductive fights?
• When and how should difficult topics be addressed?

Key Takeaways:

• Posting expectations and having “minders” can prevent problems.
• Preparation and self-talk help you respond calmly in the moment.
• Save sensitive talks for one-on-one conversations later.
• Shared stories build connections between individuals.

This timely episode provides useful techniques to prevent discord and promote goodwill this holiday season. Bill and Megan’s practical advice will help listeners consciously create an atmosphere of peace, joy and understanding.

Links & Other Notes

• RESPECTFUL GATHERING POLICY
  • Download HCI’s Respectful Gathering Policy to hang up before your holiday gatherings
• BOOKS
  • Calming Upset People with EAR (communication technique)
• ARTICLES
  • Handling High Conflict Situations During the Holidays
  • Calming Holiday Conflicts
• Our website: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/
• Submit a Question for Bill and Megan
• All of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.
• You can also find these show notes at our site as well.

Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing patterns of behavior.

• (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
• (01:35) - Holiday Conflict
• (02:20) - When Someone Says Something
• (05:59) - If You're Hosting
• (08:16) - Respectful Gathering Policy
• (09:06) - Be Prepared
• (11:43) - Giving Yourself Encouraging Statements
• (13:31) - If You Want to Discuss the Topics
• (15:48) - Reason-Able
• (16:58) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: A New Season!

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