Hey Dibi: How do I Avoid Talking Politics With the In-Laws?
Hey Dibi… My daughter wants to be 'sustainable' but also wear whatever's trending on TikTok. How do you raise kids to think long-term when everything they see is built to be disposable? - EcomindedMomFirst, I believe it's an illusion to think everything is 'built to be disposable'. Synthetic fabrics used in fast fashion are often non-biodegradable and contribute to the plastic pollution in landfills and the ocean. With an estimated 85% of all textiles ending up in landfills annually. That translates roughly to a staggering 11.3 million tons of textile waste pre year in the U.S alone. I do not know what the long-term solution is to the massive global problem, but I do know according to what you said, your daughter wants to be 'sustainable', that's a start. I was raised by a mom who sewed almost all my clothes. She knit bikinis for me and all my friends; she even crocheted my sister's wedding dress out of ribbon. She taught me to recycle my clothes by adding patches, drawing and painting on them to make them uniquely my own. Perhaps you and your daughter can start a new TikTok trend by taking something you might think of discarding and creating something new and fantastically unique out of it. You might not be thrilled with the results at first but keep at it as you build skills. I'm sure it wouldn't take much coaxing to get a few of her friends to join in. Before long you've started a new fashion happening and created a new way for you and your daughter to share time together.
Hey Dibi…I used to be a surf competitor in my 20s; I now work full time and still surf most weekends. My teenage son is really ripping and has dreams of being on tour, should I encourage him? - SurfLocal2You didn't mention whether your son is now competing and consistantly finishing in the top, which is the first step in the preparation to being on tour. As you know from your own experience the tour is fierce and your son may rip, but the pressure of competing is different animal all together. Going to all the contests on the amateur circuit and getting the experience that only comes from competition is the first consideration in the decision process. If he's doing that, I believe the next issue is financial. Is there some sponsorship that is going to help with travel, has he worked and saved money, or are you going to pay the full freight? It's not cheap and there aren't the travel budgets in the companies there used to be and there isn't the sponsorship money that surfers previously could live on. These are a few of the things to consider off the top and I'm sure he has heart set on the dream of being on tour. It's your job as his dad to understand the harsh realities and help him make the right decision.Hey Dibi… Ma'am, I'm 19 and arrived at Pendelton from Iowa thinking out here in SoCal surfers would be completely chill, good vibes and all that. But every time I go into San Clemente, I feel like I walked into the wrong movie. Cold stares, no eye contact, what happened to that groovy, endless summer scene? - ScusethehaircutPlease let me say 'Thank you for your service' and apologize for those who are so dimwitted and small minded they don't know or have forgotten what it means to be gracious. It speaks volumes about them as your choice speaks clearly about you. I hope for your sake you shake it off and don't let a bunch of spoiled kids keep you from enjoying the time you have here and making it the surf scene of your dreams.
Hey Dibi… I grew up idolizing style and soul surfing. Now the same surfers seem to be pitching everything from sunscreen to protein bars. Is it possible to have a soul surfing career? - DisillusionedSurfFanI think 'growing up' and idolizing someone's surf life is a bit unrealistic to start with. Before social media in the era of big surf brands, surfers were paid by their sponsors to go on exotic trips with magazine photographers and would appear in fantastic picture editorials and occasionally sponsors print ad programs. So, the advertising aspect of their careers was a bit more sublime and not so easily recognized. With most of the big sponsorship now gone surfers must be their own magazines and advertise themselves with social media posts, so it seems much more in your face. The truth is that like it or not it's expensive to 'surf' for a living and the surfers who relied on sponsors now find themselves in a position where they are forced to be more entrepreneurial. If you want to be that 'soul' surfer, I suggest you get a great paying a job that gives you a couple weeks off and you can surf without ever having to hawk some product yourself to enjoy it.Hey Dibi… Every time I go to my in-laws for dinner the whole evening is spent arguing about politics. When I mention it to my husband on the drive home, he always says 'Don't worry about it, we always discussed politics during meals.' I find it very uncomfortable; I like his family but don't want to get into politics over dinner. What should I do? - NeutralmindsetWhy don't you invite his family to your home for dinner? Make a special meal, set the table like you would for a party. Maybe invite another couple or mutual friend. Changing the setting will change the routine that your husband and in-laws naturally fall into at the table. If politics do come up, you can politely steer the conversation in another direction with a gentle prompt or having enlisted the cooperation of your husband beforehand he can say something about how great it is to have you all together and perhaps suggest spending time like this more often. The conversation has changed and you're creating new ways to enjoy having family meals together.
Hey Dibi: How do I Avoid Talking Politics With the In-Laws? first appeared on Surfer on Jun 30, 2025
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Purple Leaf Square Cantilever Patio Umbrella Perhaps even more important than seating, a patio umbrella will provide relief from the sun and give your yard a beachy aesthetic. When we asked interior design experts for their recs, one of them provided us with this cantilever model, which is big enough to cover an entire seating area despite being one of the most affordable options on the list. It has a UV-resistant and water-repellent fabric canopy, as well as an extra-thick pole that won't succumb to wind. Outer Aluminum Dining Table If you're hosting an outdoor dinner party, make sure you have a table large enough to accommodate your entire group. This one from Outer is great because it's made from powder-coated aluminum, which the brand promises will last at least 10 years. What's more, the table seats up to six people (you can add chairs to make your order a complete dining set) and comes with the brand's water-resistant OuterShell cover, which protects the table from pollen and dirt. AllModern Wicker Outdoor Lounge Chairs, Set of 2 'We love using couches and comfy mismatched chairs for seating when possible,' Tulipana said of the events she plans. When it comes to outdoor lounge chairs, Wayfair has tons of cute options that won't break the bank. This set has a trendy hammock weave design and comes in five colors, including some bold, perfect-for-summer hues. If you want, you can place cushions on each chair to make it even more comfortable. Tiki 25-Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit Kintisch likes the way a fire pit can create a cozy mood, and our testing team just so happens to have found the perfect one. This model from Tiki gives off minimal smoke and doesn't require a ton of maintenance throughout the evening. Measuring 25 inches across, it also doesn't take up a lot of space. Just be sure to stock up on some wood pellets our review First and foremost, you need to keep in mind the weather forecast for the day of your outdoor event and plan accordingly, said Kintisch. 'You need to plan for rain, wind, sun, bugs,' she said. 'Consider renting tents, shade umbrellas and fans, providing sunscreen and bug spray, and have an indoor Plan B location just in case Mother Nature does not cooperate.' Tulipana seconds the bug spray and sunscreen idea, adding that mini bottles 'are functional and also make for cute takeaways where people can just take what they need, and nothing will go to waste.' Beyond stocking up on items that'll help make your guests feel comfortable, you'll also need cleaning and maintenance supplies to tidy up your yard or patio. Kintisch recommends cutting the grass short and getting rid of standing water, like puddles or old bird bath water. Additionally, make sure there's plenty of cushioned seating, and keep it out of the sun as much as possible, especially if it has a metal frame. Finally, Kintisch said, 'Hosts should communicate to guests that the event will be primarily outdoors so they can dress accordingly.' The following FAQs have been answered by Elizabeth Tulipana, the owner and creative director of Anticipation Events. How should you decorate your backyard for an outdoor party? How should you decorate your backyard for an outdoor party? 'We love creating a visual so people know when they have arrived,' Tulipana says. 'Especially if guests haven't been to the home before, it's a reassuring way to let them know they are at the right place.' She suggests a floral installation, signs or even tying ribbons to a tree in your front yard for an instant party vibe. If you're feeling a little extra, you can rent a real bar instead of using a folding table. 'It is much more functional for service, easier to keep clean and is a nice touch to elevate the party,' Tulipana added. If you're hosting more guests than usual, you could clear out space for a dance floor, which is, according to the event planner, 'also a nice way to anchor the space and elevate the event (and also save your grass).' How else can you make your guests feel appreciated at a party? How else can you make your guests feel appreciated at a party? 'At the end of the night, set up a station with ice-cold water, aguas frescas, popsicles or individual ice cream to-go for guests to take in the car, which will not only cool them down but leave them thinking that you thought of absolutely everything for your party,' Tulipana said. For this article, we consulted the following event planning experts to gain their professional insights on hosting in your backyard. Jean Kintisch, founder and owner of Pine Hill Events Elizabeth Tulipana, owner and creative director of Anticipation Events CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska consulted event planners to get their product recommendations and tips for summer backyard entertaining.
