Dear Friends,
As we head into Thanksgiving week—the season of turkey, gratitude, and well-meaning relatives—it’s funny how the same people who know better than to bring up politics or religion at the dinner table feel perfectly comfortable launching into how “terrible” short-term rentals are the minute they learn you own one… or, in my case, lead an association that advocates for them!
It happened to me recently. A friend—someone I genuinely care about—suddenly shifted from small talk to a passionate anti-STR rant before I’d even finished my appetizer. And there I was, swirling my drink, wondering if this was going to be my entire night.
If you’ve been in those shoes (or expect to be this Thursday!), here are 7 strategies to help you gracefully navigate Anti-STR friends, relatives, and dinner-table debates—without derailing your Thanksgiving.
1. Stay Calm, Stay Kind
You don’t have to match their heat.
Try: “Sounds like this is something you feel strongly about. What’s your main concern?”
Let them talk. Sometimes people just need a moment to unload.
2. Ask Questions Instead of Giving a Lecture
Thanksgiving is not the time to deliver a keynote.
Instead, gently ask:
- “Did something happen in your neighborhood?”
- “Have you personally had a bad experience?”
It helps you understand whether this is an emotion or a fact.
3. Share Your Why (Briefly!)
People soften when they understand your heart.
You’re not running an empire—you’re:
- supporting local tourism
- maintaining a property responsibly
- helping guests enjoy the region you love
- contributing to local jobs and small businesses
Keep it warm, human, and quick.
4. Offer One Helpful Fact—Not a PowerPoint
Pick one relevant truth and let it stand on its own:
- “Most STR owners follow strict rules to keep neighborhoods peaceful.”
- “Data consistently shows STRs aren’t driving crime.”
- “Many STR homes could never be affordable housing based on location and design.”
Then stop. They’ll chew on it (along with the stuffing).
5. Find Shared Values
Say something like: “I totally agree—we all want safe, quiet neighborhoods. Responsible hosts want that too.”
Shared values keep the conversation from becoming a food fight.
6. Connect the Dots… Gently
Remind them that STR guests often support the very businesses they love:
“That bakery you rave about? They told me STR guests are a huge part of their revenue.”
Or: “Our visitors just helped keep your favorite restaurant packed last weekend.”
Suddenly, STRs become contributors, not culprits.
7. Know When to Bow Out Gracefully
If the conversation is circling the drain, protect your peace.
Try: “I’m grateful for our relationship, so let’s hit pause on this one and enjoy the holiday.”
Total reset. Crisis averted.
Here’s the big picture:
You can be a loving family member and be a proud STR owner.
You can enjoy Thanksgiving and stand up for responsible hosting.
You can keep the conversation calm, kind, and constructive—even when someone decides to stir the pot.
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving week—
filled with gratitude, good food, and conversations that stay peaceful… or at least brief!
Warmly,
Rebecca
PS - Between the Macy's Day Parade & Football games, why not secure your spot at the Poconos STR Conference?!!
