11.24.21 // sex, money, and politics- Happy Thanksgiving ;)

Sex, money, and politics.
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"Topics that are NOT meant to be discussed at the dinner table."
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I distinctly remember internalizing this etiquette tip when I was growing up. I thought it taught me something valuable, a trick to make sure that I never accidentally made someone else uncomfortable by bringing up a "faux pas" topic.
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Well, no surprise... now these are some of my favorite topics to talk about at the dinner table.
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I think that having these conversations amongst the tradition of sharing a meal is not only enlightening, but it is a safe place to challenge our understandings, listen to different perspectives, and practice mutual respect.
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It is also an act of true vulnerability. To talk about your own experience, to share your deep thoughts around "taboo topics" especially about sex and money can be scary. But what a beautiful way to share your true self with others.
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Now, I'm not saying that every dinner table will be open to holding your true self with loving open arms, after all, vulnerability is a learned practice, but leading by example without expectations of reciprocation can be such a beautiful start.
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Alternatively, asking a question around one of these topics and listening with an open mind and open heart can also be a beautiful start.
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In my own experience, sharing on these topics is not only cathartic, but listening creates a deep and lasting bond.
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Finally, if we have these conversations and share our concerns, our excitement, our fears, and our needs, we create a place for others to support us in the journey when sometimes it can feel so isolating and alone.
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With Thanksgiving around the corner (for Americans), there is a running joke about talking politics over dinner and how it can cause a huge meltdown at the holiday table, but does it have to? What if listening was just that, listening- not trying to change someone's mind, but understanding who each individual is deep down.
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You can learn a lot about them and a lot about yourself in this process.
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Right-wing, left-wing, sexually curious, sexually frustrated, financially hurting, financially saving- getting into the depth of someone and yourself lets people decide if they want to participate, observe, or step back from the intricacies of our lives.
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So talk about sex. Talk about money. Talk about politics.
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We all exist in a world where these three things DRASTICALLY impact every single one of us, think of what we could learn if we started sharing and asking questions more freely about these 'taboo' topics...