How to survive the holidays if you are annoyed by relatives
'23.12.2017'
Source: GoRabbit
You know how it happens: for the second day in a row, you are cooking a gala dinner, slicing a ton of Olivier, setting the table, fixing the tinsel on the Christmas tree, and putting a smile on yourself, suggests GoRabbit. “Everything will go well,” you think.
But as soon as a crowd of relatives fall in on a visit, they begin to pour everyday matters relating to cooking and celebration. And then the interrogation about your life begins: “How is it that you don't have a baby yet? The clock is ticking, you know! ”,“ I liked your hair when it was ... ”,“ Are you sure you want to celebrate the New Year in this? ”.
American films have created a solid stereotype that holidays with family are always fun, noisy, friendly, and most importantly, comfortable. In reality, a holiday with relatives is like anything, just not like that. You are haunted by the feeling that they are competing with each other in search of flaws in everything and in all.
Spoiler: no matter how hard you are, there is still a way to enjoy the holiday. Good memories, unexpected gifts, board games, and more can help. Here are some ways to ease your suffering without killing anyone:
Leave enough time for yourself.
Holidays are not only for relatives, but for you too. Even if you are a receiving party and you are constantly clapping for the arrival of guests, make sure that from time to time you allow yourself to take breaks. Go for a walk, go shopping, exercise, get a hot bath, go for a manicure. You deserve rest and relaxation somewhere a couple of hours from the pre-holiday fuss.
Think ahead of the answers
The worst thing is when relatives for some reason try to change us. But at the same time, if we want them to accept us as we are, we ourselves should treat them the same way. Go through the names of those relatives who especially pester you. For example, if an aunt always makes comments to you about your appearance, prepare for her attacks in advance by coming up with an answer, but in such a way that he carefully cut the conversation to no and was not the beginning of a hot skirmish. In addition, psychologists advise to use the following technique. For example, when someone asks you a question that you do not want to answer, you can always use a polite "no." Like "I would not like to discuss it now." So you minimize a negative, without offending the relative.
Find common topics
The more your family, the greater the spread in the preferences and views of each. It would be logical to avoid the hottest feasts for those who instantly cause controversy. Maybe you and your cousin have different views on world events and the internal political situation in the country, but both of you adore cult TV shows. Why not discuss the best moments of the TV series "Breaking Bad" or "Office"? Even the most friendly family members may disagree with something. This does not mean that they do not have common interests and hobbies. Holidays after all - this is the time of connection with loved ones, so focus on topics in which everyone can participate. And maybe they will help you survive the holidays.
