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We’re having Christmas with the future in-laws whom we really don’t know for the first time. We couldn’t be more different if we tried. What should my wife and I keep our mouths zipped about to avoid holiday dilemmas?

–Anonymous, Exeter, NH

This is about how to avoid holiday dilemmas with the in-laws at the dinner table.

Politics, if you know they’re a Donald Trump fan, and you aren’t; the Red Socks, if they never miss a game and you could care less; weight loss, if they’re ten pounds heavier than you; their frugality, if their present is a recycled cologne with the cellophane removed; your upcoming vacation in Cabo San Lucas or Antigua, if you know they’ve never been out of New England; any gender-related subject such as pointing out that you have more grandsons than they do; religion, if you know they’re more religious than you are.

Don’t give unsolicited advice about how to prevent hair loss, staying fit, or loosing weight — in other words, stay away from anything to do with body image.

Including issues of fertility and asking whether a woman is pregnant. Or asking about when she or he is “ever” getting married.

And never give stock tips.

Be mindful of the fact that the last thing you say to someone, may become a lasting impression.

~Didi