Get a Clue: The Squabble Among the Family

Traditionally, my family celebrates holidays with board games and dominos. As soon as we finish eating, we pull out the games and play for hours on end. It has been this way since before I was born. Naturally, we have our favorites: at least one round of “chicken foot” is a requirement at any family function; “clue” has and always will be a family favorite; “family cranium” has grown slowly grown on us over the years. However, just as any tradition, we have to spice it up every year to prevent the transition into boring routine. This typically entails a new game to try out and, of course, we trust that all verbal directions are correct. But it was just last Thanksgiving that this assumption led to an unwanted squabble.

My cousin Sabrina had married her long-time boyfriend, Matt, in July of last year. She was the first of all the grandkids to get married, leaving poor Matt as the guinea pig for the family’s teaching skills. We started with a comical and relaxed game of “chicken foot” which Matt caught onto with ease (and he very nearly won the game!). Next, we played “catchphrase” for a good 30 minutes. Matt impressed all of us with his speed and skill in the game, but Sabrina later revealed to us that Matt was practically addicted to the game; that was all he and his friends had done at his bachelor’s party in late June. We waited until the Cowboy’s game started before we dragged out the “clue” game board. Everyone was surprised to see that Matt wanted to play rather than watch the game. “Do you know how to play?” my cousin Will asked. Matt chuckled. “Heck yes! I’ve been playing ‘clue’ since middle school!”

The game was going smoothly up until Matt’s second suggestion. “Ms. Peacock, in the kitchen, with the knife,” he proudly s...

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... even more so when you are standing alone. I know that I would never want to be in Matt’s place, no matter what the situation. Therefore, I will never force someone else into a situation like Matt’s. There is always a way to avoid conflict. I know that before you can calmly correct someone or try to assist them, you must have a strong relationship with them. Even though you might not agree with the way someone is living, you must get to know them before you state your own opinion. They have to let you in or they will feel pressured and uncomfortable with you. I will also take caution in the way I speak to them: tone and choice of words makes all the difference. From last year’s thanksgiving, I learned much more than expected. From the point forward, I have promised to walk a mile in another person’s shoes and then take a second mile with them before I open my mouth.