Fear of the Family During the Holidays

Oh, family. Oh, the holidays. In the midst of beautiful decorations, seasonal foods and memorable songs, it’s also a time of forces conversations and situations. Don’t get me wrong… family time is not always so uncomfortable, but I would be remiss to neglect addressing the painful of stressful experiences that I know many of my listeners are anticipating over the next few weeks.

If this describes your feelings, what can you do to adapt? How can we participate in our holiday festivities and traditions without becoming entirely emotionally exhausted?

I recently did a talk radio session about this very topic. Especially when you are joining your loved one’s holiday gatherings, many of their habits, religious and political views, expressions and personality traits might surprise you, irritate you or even push you to the breaking point! Why?

The bottom line is that outside of the immediate nuclear family, there’s significantly increased possibility for differences. People with varying opinions abound, when for the rest of the year, we surround ourselves with people of shared interests and beliefs. When we encounter differences with other family members, we feel like we’re not being accepted for the person that we really are. Differences turn into disapprovals, which snowballs info conflict… and the symphony of drama ensues.

The intelligent person during these holiday gatherings will accept their great uncle’s view and respect it for what it is – even if you disagree. Okay, so what if you know that you’re facing comments from in-laws which are just downright attacking, offensive and abusive? Should you buckle under the pressure of attending these functions? Be honest with your loved one about your feelings. Tell them why you refuse to be treated with contempt by their family.

Every family is different, but many of the holiday stressors are the same. By standing up for yourself, accepting other people’s views, and refusing abusive treatment, you will begin to train others on how to treat you with love and respect.

For more information, tune into my talk radio show titled “I Hate My Family” for expert interviews! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wellnessfortherealworld/2011/11/30/i-hate-my-family