If you’re like me, Thanksgiving can kind of be a gamble when it comes to table conversation. Some years, the family can keep things light and fun and we end the holiday with big smiles and full bellies. Other times, someone makes the mistake of bringing up politics or some other taboo subject, and all that thankfulness we’re trying to celebrate goes out the window. Being an entrepreneur can sometimes be a stressful topic with your family and loved ones. Maybe your brother-in-law is still bitter that you never asked him to be your partner, or your father consistently makes the same joke about what a gamble your investors are making. Or maybe you’re just trying to separate your professional life from your personal life, and your family won’t stop asking questions about your business. How do you direct the conversations toward something you can control? Is that even possible? Here are a few ways to help shape the table talk to work out best for everyone involved: Be real It can be easy to walk into Thanksgiving with a wall of pride to protect yourself. It can be hard, but put your ego aside and drop that need to show off. Learn to be comfortable with yourself, even if the conversation isn’t about you. When you’re comfortable not making things about you, others will be more open and authentic with you. Listen That pride wall I mentioned can also be a huge hindrance when it comes to listening to others. Even if someone is being frustrating, acting indignantly can just make things worse. Be sincere in lending an ear to others. Too many people listen to someone just for the sake of responding. Try listening to someone without thinking about how you’re going to respond. The time for you to speak will come. Make jokes Whatever emotions you portray, they’re contagious. Make jokes, laugh at yourself, be careful not to turn your humor into teasing – that can be all too easy. But light, harmless jokes can bring a warmth into the conversation in a way that not much else can. It can put people at ease and be more drawn to you. Whatever anxieties you may be feeling about this holiday season, the way you choose to converse with others can make all the difference. You can’t control others and their behavior, but you can decide how you handle it. Choose to be good. Choose to be thankful.