How do you deal with difficult family during the holidays?
How do you deal with difficult family during the holidays? Cope with Difficult Relatives During the Holidays Keep family gatherings friendly and conflict-free with these tips
Subject: Holiday - Sub Subject: Family During the HolidaysDate: 6/11/2019 Status: SOLVED
6 answered / 26 voted, 254 viewed.
Adjust your attitude
If you are already anticipating that a gathering will be stressful, your anxiety may get worse by the time the actual gathering begins, says Thomas C. Lian, MD, a psychiatrist and behavioral health medical director with Scripps Health.
Try focusing on the positive. Before get-togethers with family members, think about the qualities you like about them, rather than focusing on the negative, says Diep Ho, MD, a family medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Rancho San Diego.
Keep potentially upsetting topics off-limits
Politics and religion are obvious, but people also bring up sensitive subjects without thinking about how they might affect others. Are you ever going to get married? may seem harmless, but more likely than not, it will strike a nerve. Plan to keep conversation conflict-free by avoiding potentially sensitive topics, or simply ask whats new and take it from there.
Have realistic expectations
As refreshing as it would be if your Aunt Marge didnt criticize your outfit this year, she probably will. Dont expect people to change when they have behaved in the same way for years. Minimize your contact with difficult relatives, and spend more time interacting with people you like, suggests Dr. Lian.
Dont drink too much
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Some people become aggressive or argumentative when theyve had too much to drink, notes Dr. Lian. If you are one of them, minimize your drinking or stick to non-alcoholic beverages. Avoid people who have had too much to drink, and dont let them drive.
Get active
Its difficult to be drawn into an argument when engrossed in an activity that requires concentration, physical activity or laughter, says Dr. Lian. Play a game, go for a walk on the beach or watch a funny holiday movie.
ANSWERS Write an Answer
❝How do you deal with difficult family during the holidays?❞ answers. technician asked first. Total 6 replies.
We all do things that irritate other people, and we probably arent aware of it, says Dr. Lian. Try to be tolerant of others quirks and irritating behaviors, and dont take them personally. If nothing else, remember you only have to tolerate the irritation for a little while.
Bring a happy reminder
Looking at a favorite photograph, a funny text from a friend or anything else that makes you smile can go a long way toward relieving stress. When things get too stressful, plan to sneak away and take a break.
Ask for help, but dont expect it
Families are never fair. Work is never equally divided. Thats just the way it is. I am always prepared to do everything, but very happy not to. Wasting time being mad because one person tends to just sit around ruins the whole experience for everyone.
Ask questions and listen to the answers
I am fairly liberal (although I have a lot of conservative friends). My mother-in-law is a Fox News conservative. I am never going to change her mindshes 87 for Gods sake But I have learned a lot by questioning her and trying to understand her opinions, rather than just reacting to them. In her own way, she often makes senseeven though I still disagree.
Nothing is more hurtful or hard to watch than someone criticizing someone else in front of others. Whether its your kids or your spouse or your sister, holidays are a time to suspend critical thinking and just surrender to holiday spirit. If you need to discipline a child, please take the child to a quiet corner or another room and speak respectfully.
Enjoy yourself
If you are doing all the work, make sure you sit down and take breaks and talk to peopleso what if dinner is a little late? I like to spend a little one-on-one time with each person presentto take the conversation at least a tiny step further than just How are you?
Lay off the liquor
I havent had a drink in 10 years. And I dont serve alcohol in my house. Its amazing how much happier my family dinners turn out when no ones crying or acting out after drinking too much. I dont get upset when people bring their own wine to a dinner at my housebut the fact that they might be the only ones drinking seems to help them stay in control.
Find your happy place
For me, its the quiet of my own bed with a nice spicy romance novel after a hard day of hostessing is done. If things get to be too much for you, go outside, take a walk, play with the kids, or find a place to take a nap.
Know that one day, youre going to miss this
Like the Trace Adkins song says, things might seem crazy and chaotic now, but these days are the ones you will look back on and think of as good times. Watching my in-laws and my mother reach the point where they can no longer do all the things that we take for granted really brings this point home for me.
🔥 Alexandria, VA?
.. Well-written and insightful 🧐 🤩🐦- Managing challenging family dynamics
- Coping with difficult relatives
- Dealing with family conflicts
- Handling family tension
- Navigating holiday family stress
- Maintaining holiday peace with family
- Strategies for challenging family gatherings
- Tips for peaceful holiday reunions
- Conflict resolution with family members
- Family communication during holidays
- Setting boundaries with relatives
- Stress-free holiday family interactions
- Avoiding family arguments
- Holiday family mediation
- Maintaining composure with difficult family
- Stress management during family gatherings
- Diffusing family disputes
- Coping mechanisms for challenging family
- Minimizing holiday family drama
- Holiday family relationship tips
- Balancing holiday cheer with family dynamics
- Resolving differences with family during holidays
- Strategies for a harmonious holiday season
- Managing family expectations during festivities
- Surviving tense holiday family moments
- Nurturing positive connections with relatives
- Preserving holiday joy amidst family challenges
- Coping with demanding family members
- Celebrating holidays with grace and patience
- Maintaining holiday serenity with family.
Similar Questions
What is Europe's most famous hotel?
Discover Europe's most iconic hotel! Uncover its rich history and lavish elegance in our comprehensive guide. Find out where luxury meets heritage.
Hotels / Europe's most famous hotels Answers: 3 496Looking for affordable getaways? Need low-cost vacation deals?
Discover affordable getaways and low-cost vacation deals for ultimate budget-friendly travel experiences. Start planning your next adventure today! (135 characters)
Holiday / Low-cost vacation deals Answers: 3 442Why choose budget-friendly travel deals?
Discover the benefits of budget-friendly travel deals, including saving money, exploring more destinations, and experiencing unique adventures without breaking the bank.
Holiday / Budget-friendly travel deal benefits Answers: 3 427What are the benefits of simplified travel packages?
Discover the advantages of simplified travel packages, including time-saving convenience, cost-effectiveness, and hassle-free planning.
Holiday / Simplified travel packages Answers: 3 357What are Canada's top waterfront hotels?
Discover Canada's finest waterfront hotels, offering stunning views and luxurious accommodations. Find the perfect retreat for your next getaway.
Hotel / Canada's best waterfront hotels Answers: 3 420What are the most beautiful canyons located in the United States of America?
I am going on a vacation to America. I want to visit canyons. Can you tell me which are the most beautiful canyons?
USA / Canyons Answers: 8 682What is early bird check-in for airlines and how does it work?
What is early bird check-in for airlines and how does it work?
Airlines / Check-in Answers: 8 1084What are some tips for planning and budgeting for a holiday vacation, including finding the best deals on flights and accommodations?
What are some tips for planning and budgeting for a holiday vacation, including finding the best deals on flights and accommodations?
Holiday / Plan Answers: 8 770Where is the most beautiful canyon of USA?
Most Famous Canyons in the USA. Kings Canyon is located within one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States Kings Canyon National Park. Kings Canyon is one of the most famous canyons in the USA because of its gorge, which is the deepest in the country. As you drive down the twisty
USA / Canyon Answers: 8 884What to bring on vacation checklist?
What to bring on vacation checklist? Vacation Packing Checklist Wallet, purse, credit cards, cash. Cell phones and chargers. Car and house keys (duplicate sets kept in different bags). Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, lens cleaner. Medical insurance cards, list of phone numbers.
Holiday / Vacation Checklist Answers: 8 596Similar Articles
Set up, Manage and Reminders Apple Watch for a family member
Set up a family member’s Apple WatchYou can set up and manage Apple Watch for someone who doesn’t have their own iPhone— your school-aged ch
66