Step 6: The Longest Game Tactics

Also known as "The Art of Doing Nothing," Step 6 is where you, the cunning relative, employ the most advanced strategies to outlast your family members' attempts at conversation.

By carefully selecting the most mundane topics, you can turn even the most mundane conversations into a never-ending game of "Who can say the most boring thing first."

• Use the power of silence as a shield.
• Master the art of saying "uh-huh" and "ah-ha."
• Employ the "Wait-for-it" technique: wait for your family member to finish their thought, then respond with a 10-minute pause.
• Develop an extensive vocabulary of neutral phrases, such as "That's interesting," "I'm not sure," and "I'll get back to you on that."
• Neglect to make eye contact; stare at a fixed point in the distance, like a hawk on the prowl.
• Practice your "I'm just here for the free food" face.
• Conduct an extensive study on the art of nodding without saying a word.

Remember, my dear relative, the goal is not to win; it's to outlast them all.

For further reading, visit:

• Step 7: The Grand Strategy
• Step 8: The Defensive Position
• Step 9: The Endgame Scenario