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Danger! Top 10 Thanksgiving Table Talk Landmines

Thanksgiving can mean the ideal family get together or a day of awkward
moments, uncomfortable silences and eruptions of family feuds. Here are
Debra Fine's Top 10 Conversation Landmines (from her book, "The Fine Art of
Small Talk," published by Hyperion)::

1. "Are you two ever going to get married?"

2. "No, thanks. I gave up drinking after I saw the toll it took on you."

3. "When are you two going to make me a grandmother?"

4. "Cool Whip is interesting. Did you ever think of serving the real stuff
instead?"

5. "Aren't you full yet?" or "Why aren't you eating anything?"

6. "Yes, I know you're a parent. But haven't you ever thought about
working?"

7. "I see you still can't be bothered with ironing a blouse."

8. "How is it that your son looks just like you and your daughter looks like

she could be from a different family?"

9. ""Did you cook this yourself, or did you just thaw it out?"

10. "Forget this poison nonsense -- just spread the legs open and stuff it
in, the way that I always do."

Debra Fine is available to talk about the Fine Art of Small Talk at
Thanksgiving. If you're ready to listen, she's ready to talk!

The Fine Art of Small Talk
By Debra Fine
Hyperion Books
www.DebraFine.com