Welcome back to the savvy psychologist. I'm Dr. Ellen Hendrickson and every week I'll help you meet life's challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

We'll use the best of psychology to help you be happy, healthy, and most importantly,

yourself.

A wise person once said, dysfunctional family is redundant. I know my extended family includes its fair share of characters and I'm sure yours does too.

You hopefully spend most of the year insulated from family shenanigans, but when everyone from alcoholic Uncle Milt to judgey cousin Carrie is devouring turkey around your dining room table, it can get a little dicey.

To that end, here are seven tips for dealing with difficult family members on Thanksgiving or at any family gathering for that matter.

Tip number one, socially acceptable avoidance.

So I don't usually advocate for avoidance, but if it's just to get you through the holiday weekend,

I'll cut you yards of slack.

Socially acceptable ways to get out of the house are to volunteer at a community Thanksgiving

for the less fortunate, run a turkey trot 5k, or even get started on your holiday shopping.

Just be sure to tell family you're looking for presents for them.

But if you do have to stick around, focus on judiciously avoiding the one or two people you know you'll have a hard time with.

So when Aunt Dotty sets her sights on you, go see a folks in the kitchen need a hand,

offer to head out for more ice, or round up a group for a brisk walk and get out of the house.

In the end, do whatever works.

Again, avoidance doesn't work in the long run, but used wisely, it can get you safely through until it's time for pumpkin pie.

Tip number two, find a buddy.

Find a like-minded relative, you'll spot her also trying to suppress the eye rolls, and agree to look out for one another.

For example, rescue your cousin from getting cornered by Uncle Rick, after all you really need help with these mashed potatoes, and in return ask her to

suddenly urgently need your assistance when your sister tries to ask you for money.

Tip number three, you don't have to serve booze.

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