I think it is wonderful when I hear of families that do not suffer from any dysfunctions or generational conflict or political disagreements when they gather. My mixed family, Latino and white, don't really talk politics when we eat, because we like to eat too much.

But families do fight, and the past few years have strained relationships, and this essay simply gives permission to people to not engage with anyone spoiling for a conversation about Trump or trans rights or faraway wars.