The 12 People You'll Share The Table With At Every Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a holiday when many family member travels far and wide to be together. You have a cousin from a far-off land whom nobody has seen for a year. There's your brother, who's just gone off to college and discovered politics and is itching to discuss affairs of state and other taboo topics. And of course you have your standard characters: the insecure cook, the loud uncle and the people who desperately want to be anywhere else. It could be a lot. So, grab another glass of wine and pull up a chair. These are the 12 people you'll share the table with at every Thanksgiving.
The grandma who’s really concerned about what’s on your plate
Commenting on others' plates is something you should never do on Thanksgiving, but Grandma can't help herself. "Are you eating enough?" "Wow, you've really piled on those mashed potatoes." It's a wonder she can eat her own meal because her eyes are solely on others' plates.
The loud uncle
There's always that family member who doesn't know what an "inside voice" is.
The eat-and-runner
This family member is not staying at Thanksgiving a moment longer than they have to. The second they take that last bite of apple pie and drink their last swig of wine, they're out the door. Perhaps they're in a rush to start Black Friday shopping.
The insecure cook
It's this person's first time cooking Thanksgiving dinner. They followed a bunch of easy Thanksgiving recipes, and whether or not that turkey turned out perfect or dreadfully dry, they're spending the entire meal asking people how the meal turned out (and simultaneously fishing for compliments).
The nosey neighbor
They ask those questions you really, truly dread (and questions that are frankly very rude). "Why don't you have a boyfriend?" "When will you get a real job?" They also can't stop gossiping about people you haven't seen in years and ask how someone you haven't talked to in over a decade is doing.
The in-law with a lot of food sensitivities
This person is not technically allergic, but they claim that gluten, dairy and soy make them feel uneasy. They demand to have allergen-free Thanksgiving dishes, but they haven't bothered to bring any of their own and no one knows how to prepare them. They spend the entire dinner fuming.
The random co-worker
Wait, who is that guy again? He's not dating anyone in the family, but he couldn't make it home for the holidays. Your family took him in, and he's trying his best to be courteous. At least he doesn't have to spend the holiday alone.
The reproductive inquisitor
Your poor father-in-law. He wants a grandbaby so bad, and he's definitely willing to ask when you'll start planning your family, no matter how much the question makes you squirm.
The sibling who’s itching to bring up politics
We all have that family member who has gone off to college and found their political calling and identity. While politics are one of those topics best avoided at family functions, this person is just itching to bring up the upcoming election and will frankly ask everyone whom they're voting for. It's almost like they're trying to start a fight. The new politician is closely related to the teenage bro who has gone off to college, discovered drugs and can't stop campaigning for the legalization of marijuana and hallucinogens.
The sports fanatics
Your cousins are mad they're at the family Thanksgiving. They'd rather be tailgating at the football game. But they're settling by making everyone shush up while they yell at the TV.
The stepparent who’s trying really hard to impress
They've been in the family for, like, eight years, but they still don't feel fully comfortable. They're trying to get the kids interested in playing games, telling corny jokes and complimenting the chef at every turn. Their charms sort of work, though.
The out-of-town visitor
While most of the family has stayed in the region, this family member has moved across the country and really only comes home for the holidays. So everyone is very interested in how her life is in the "big city," and it's really all they can think of to ask about. And now that you know who's at Thanksgiving, it's time to learn where you sit at the Thanksgiving table (and what it says about you).
More from The Daily Meal:
Every Thanksgiving Side Dish, Ranked
25 Secrets to Becoming the Best Holiday Party Guest Ever
All Your Thanksgiving Questions, Answered