New Episode: Oh! Oh! Oh! It’s the Holidays!

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Find out the best way to deal with travel, gift etiquette and bad guests–listen in to hear the show!

1. How do you deal when you receive a tacky/horrible present they they were SURE you would LOVE?

You always have to assume a gift is heartfelt, so respond in kind. Find the one thing about the gift that you can to like: eg I just love puke green. And if you must, just tell them “you really shouldn’t have! No, really. You shouldn’t have!

2. How much can you really ‘let loose’ at the company holiday party?

You can’t! It’s ok to have fun, but keep the same line drawn at the party as you would on a typical workday. Even if it’s tempting to imbibe, keep it to a 1 or 2 drink minimum (if you aren’t on the wagon). Don’t say or do anything you wouldn’t do in the office. You may be all dressed up and feeling good, but you still have to face these people tomorrow. And try not to look at this as a chance to wear your mini-est dress. Save that one for the in-laws!

3. How can you kindly decline Holiday events without hurting someone’s feelings?

Give your sincerest appreciation for the invitation and let them know you won’t be able to attend. No excuse necessary–the more you say the worse it will get–whether you’re telling the truth (I’d rather go to this other party/you’re boring) or you’re making something up (it’s too easy to get caught). If you’re really pushed for an excuse, your only recourse may be to use your kids or pets: “I can’t get a sitter, or our new puppy just can’t be left on her own yet!”  It’s the 21st century version of “I have to wash my hair”

4. How do you deal with unthoughtful overnight guests (who leave dishes in the sink, clothes on the couch, drink all your liquor, etc)

If you know to expect this, set the ground rules at the beginning. Just because you’ve laid out the welcome mat doesn’t mean they get to step all over you too. If they can’t abide by the rules, gently remind them and do not be shy about it. Just start the sentence with “I would really appreciate it if…” If there’s a third infraction, recommend the hotel down the street next year! They’ll get the message.

5. What do you do when the kid behind you on the airplane keeps kicking your seat/yelling/creating general unpleasantness?

• Calmly request a reprieve from the parent. Get them on the case. Hard as it may be, don’t regress to your own childlike behavior (like pinching or pulling hair!)

• ALWAYS travel with ear plugs! It lowers the engine noise as well, which makes for a calmer flight. By the way, if it’s your child who is crying–bring your own extra earplugs and hand them out to anyone who gives you a look! (This mostly works when you have an infant)

• If the fellow passenger is unwilling to change their behavior, see if you can switch seats with the kicker.

• You have to remain well-behaved because you are stuck with these people for a few hours. You don’t want your reaction to be the reason they ground the plane!