If you have a dysfunctional family, how do you get through holiday gatherings?

1 Answer

Answer :

I feel like if you’re expecting something, it’s more likely to actually happen. If you expect the worst, then you’ll get the worst. And I’d just be positive and that kind of thing. Besides. Every family is dysfunctional, even if we can’t tell.

Related questions

Description : For someone who is thinking about distancing themselves from their dysfunctional immediate family and creating their own family, any advice?

Last Answer : What I did was consider what these people were bringing to my life. When I really, really sat back and thought about it I realized that almost everything that I gained from maintaining those ... to realize that I needed distance. It became a simple case of quality vs quantity, for me.

Description : How dysfunctional is your family?

Last Answer : My family’s dysfunctional to the point that the craziness cancels each other out and it all works pretty well. .....of course, being spread over 3 countries and only seeing each other every 1–2 years makes it easier to get along.

Description : Would you please offer a young ask-publicite some advice on how to deal with a severely dysfunctional graduation?

Last Answer : My family gatherings are similarly stressful but of course with its own set of reasons. What I found exorbitantly helpful, when I was able to do it, is to find it all hilarious. Whenever someone acts ... mind. I think it is fantastic you are going despite the drama. You are obviously a good person.

Description : What's a holiday food that is traditional at your family gatherings but is definitely out of the ordinary?

Last Answer : Sausage bread. At least it’s out of the ordinary for people I’ve met. People out here in Denver have never heard of it of course unless they’ve moved here from NY/NJ. So yummy!

Description : As I reflect on the end of the first big holiday week of the season, I wonder if anyone else had unpleasant experiences with drunken family members?

Last Answer : Oh boy… Yes.

Description : Have you ever spent a major, family-oriented holiday alone?

Last Answer : I was home alone last Christmas Eve. There was a big mix up, and it just worked out that I was alone. I didn't really mind, I knew I would see everyone the next day. I might have deliberately chosen ... minute, all of the driving. I'm ready to start doing the holidays here, so I have less of that.

Description : Which holiday destination is best for family?

Last Answer : answer:Well depends on your family. What do you guys like to do? Hiking, biking, family games etc. You need to tell us what you family likes to do then we can figure it out.

Description : In a family without the presence of a culturally idealized father, how is the societal holiday of Father's Day handled?

Last Answer : If there is no father or grandfather, there’s nothing to handle. Don’t make it complicated when it isn’t.

Description : What is something silly that has become part of the holiday tradition in your family?

Last Answer : Usually alot of prank gifts…such as large boxes wrapped up for small charms…Usually with 3 or 4 smaller boxes inside. So one never really knows what is under the tree.

Description : Do you have a funny story from the holiday just past?

Last Answer : I had this drinks party at christmas. I invited Moneypenny, she is always good value. But then she brought that bloke, James. What a penis. So she brings James along, Oh God , but I thought Christmas ... he wanted to say crushing bore , but he missed and he was making the best of a bad job.

Description : Do you expect a lot of family drama at your Christmas gatherings?

Last Answer : No. I’m very fortunate that my brothers and I are the most laid back people you’d ever want to meet. That’s not to mean that at times we don’t get on each other nerves, because we do, but none of us create or participate in drama.

Description : I have nothing in common with my family. How do I handle myself at big family gatherings?

Last Answer : Don’t go. Seriously

Description : Is it possible to have a family reunion for Christmas?

Last Answer : Unlikely. Unless even more severe tightening comes, it will still remain some or not worth settling for. too much risk.

Description : Should the sister remain with the family?

Last Answer : The whole mythology of ghosts is that they move on after their difficulty is resolved. So she would move on, not continue to haunt SB. She is a pretty shitty ghost if she can’t remember her own suicide. SB should just ignore her.

Description : Have you ever had family dump something on you that you want no part of?

Last Answer : My cousins are wanting to have a reunion in June but it's falling on me to.pull it together evidently. I'm trying hard to figure it out but my sister's aren't wanting any part of it, and ... never have another chance. But it interferes with my chill out with a beer in front of the tube activities.

Description : Did you try to "spare" family members when you were a child?

Last Answer : I only tried to spare them how bad I was.

Description : How to deal with family?

Last Answer : Were you close to your parents before your brother passed? Just give them some space to them you are here for them let them come to you.

Description : If you were to rent a family, (if yours is dead, or just sucks), how much would you be willing to pay per month?

Last Answer : I would go for the free subscription, with the tailored ads.

Description : What to do about these family heirlooms?

Last Answer : Points of clarification: 1. * All five nieces were given pieces of Mom's (their grandmother's) jewelry, based upon a list she left upon her death. The three grandsons were not. Does this ... children, right? 3. Did the grandsons receive any other heirlooms, such as something from their grandfather?

Description : Do you have a really funny family member?

Last Answer : No one in Germany has a sense of humour.

Description : Why does my family just think they can take over my life?

Last Answer : We have a moving day coming up this weekend for our disabled grandmother and elderly great-gandmother, so I sympathize. Our whole family is getting together to go in and move them. You need to be clear with your family that they must help!

Description : How does your family deal with aging parents?

Last Answer : If your Q is the one in red, at the top, my answer is: pretty poorly. I moved closer to mine to help, and did a lot before my dad passed. My two older sisters, who live ... most comprehensive senior center near you, they can probably steer you towards advice and resources. Good luck with this!

Description : Am I wrong for starting to dislike my boyfriend's family?

Last Answer : No. Your protecting your family from druggies.

Description : Did you get support from your family in tricky situations?

Last Answer : Yes. Two of my brothers would support me in anything. The other one was just indifferent, to everyone. My mom also would support me in everything I did. One of my brothers that lives nearby has encouraged me ... he did get on my nerves a couple of times, but I did apologize for biting his head off.

Description : Does having different senses of humor cause problems in your family?

Last Answer : Luckily, our senses of humor are one of the few things my family members have in common. It is something of a bond although other issues divide us.

Description : A family member is in the hospital. What level of involvement does your family show?

Last Answer : I imagine it would depend what I was in the hospital for. If it were for something major, I would hope one of my sons would come but since they each live 3,000 miles away, probably only friends would come if it were something minor.

Description : What are some things your family could have afforded, but didn't have?

Last Answer : Hockey membership. My dad wanted me to have all my teeth.

Description : Do I have the right to call these people my family, too?

Last Answer : answer:Of course you can, and I hope you do. Dear Abby once answered a question from someone who, as I recall, didn't want to include an adopted child or maybe a stepchild in a family photo ... Pedigree is irrelevant. I have an adopted cousin who belongs to another ethnicity. She's still my cousin.

Description : Would you be concerned if Donald Trump appoints his family to key political positions?

Last Answer : answer:I’d be way concerned if he was even in a position to do that. I’d be amused if he tried to do it after losing the election.

Description : Do you think there should be some organized therapy group for the family, friends and children of people who suffer from depression?

Last Answer : answer:Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not affiliated with Al-Anon, nor did AA start Al-Anon. You have a good idea, Why not start a support group in your community?

Description : Can anyone recommend a website that helps you learn how to label complex family relations?

Last Answer : Here’s a handy chart.

Description : Why do I have to put up with their family?

Last Answer : answer:You have a choice: you can either put up with the granddaughter, or you can set a boundary and risk the friendship. But you cannot expect your friend to change without you setting a boundary and then ... I will leave. I want to spend time with you, not with her. And then honor your word.

Description : Do you think that the recent tragedy in Broken Arrow Oklahoma involving the Bever family might finally give us some insight into the Columbine shootings?

Last Answer : answer:“They also said 3,000 rounds of ammunition were delivered to the home after the murders and the boys planned to use it to kill so many people they would become more famous than the Columbine shooters.” You would think ordering that amount would at least make somebody wonder.

Description : What family topics do you really feel uncomfortable discussing?

Last Answer : Death doesn’t make me feel so uncomfortable, but some family issues do. I just hate it when my aunts and uncles try to reveal each other’s issues (and maybe my family’s). It turns the family into some kind of hateful competitors.

Description : Supposing you could choose the family you were going to be born into, let's say you knew the circumstances you would be entering just before you came into this world. Would you choose the same parents again?

Last Answer : No. Baby boomers are the worst.

Description : Would you be on creditors’ committee of a bankrupted family member?

Last Answer : answer:Can you afford to lose almost half a million dollars? Is this man your wife’s brother?

Description : If you're from an 'abusive family', do you think you have a sixth sense about other people who were abused?

Last Answer : I'm not very good at picking out other people who were abused, but I think that's partially because I was gaslighted about it for many years. A friend of mine who was abused and who had the resources to ... who around me might have been abused. But like I said, I'm not very good at it yet.

Description : Would you address this issue with your partner's family?

Last Answer : Is “Once a year” accurate, or a typo?

Description : What to say/do when a family member is close to death?

Last Answer : answer:Just try not to mention anything about his health. Talk about all the positive things you can think of. Try to make him comfortable. At least if this is really the last time you see him, you can be sure you have some good time with him.

Description : How important are family relations to you?

Last Answer : answer:Is there some sort of middle ground, where there can be grown-up discussion and clearing of the air? I don't like either the eating crow or being right concepts. If one side is ... still resentful, don't they? Anyone in the family detached and grown-up enough to be a neutral mediator?

Description : What's the longest you and your family have been apart from each other?

Last Answer : Longest I’ve been apart from my wife in twenty-five years is two weeks.

Description : Do any fellow jellies have a difficult time around the holidays with missing family members or loved ones?

Last Answer : This year I am missing my daughter and her family who moved to Scotland. I'm also missing my son and his family who aren't talking to me. :-( I can handle my son and his wife not talking ... an iPod for Christmas. He accidentally facetimed me the other day. It was great to see his little face!

Description : Would you get a separate social network account from family?

Last Answer : http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l520/chelle21689/null_zps7d484bc9.jpg

Description : What will you do if you think you have Depression but when you talk to your family, they say you are just making an excuse?

Last Answer : See a therapist.

Description : Have you ever had to choose between spending an anniversary with a significant other or babysitting for family?

Last Answer : answer:What did you tell your brother? Did you already have plans with your boyfriend? These details are critical in helping you decide, in my opinion. Saturday is only one day away, so if you made a ... to either your boyfriend or your brother, it's kind of last minute to bow out at this time.

Description : Can you tell us about a family heirloom you have passed down?

Last Answer : When my dad died, my mom gave me one of his old watches for my son. It wasn’t all that special, but it was from his grandad and he treasures it.

Description : How should I go about searching this situation for my family tree?

Last Answer : answer:Can you sound out the pronunciation of his last name for us? It looks like it should sound like Ellie - but that seems unusual to me. Maybe we could help you guess how it was spelled. Do you ... that might be like Elie . Perhaps you can find his parents, even if he was buried as a Fields.

Description : Toxic family member - what would you do?

Last Answer : answer:I am in a similar position although the person who is toxic is not religious. However, his anger and reactive blame behavior has made me ill. I did try all sorts of things to help him ... in your case) to entertain judgemental people. Who if you forgive me for saying, have a mental illness?

Description : Are aborted or miscarried babies still considered to be part of the family?

Last Answer : answer:Well an aborted baby would never get a birth certificate, and I doubt a miscarried baby would get one either. Burial or whatever would be up to the family I guess. Brings up a question though, where do the abortions/miscarriages go?

Description : May I please request prayers/positive thoughts for my husband and his family?

Last Answer : WillWorkForChocolate I am so so sorry for you and your family. Of course you can have my prayers and my special thoughts. Pull together with everybody and support each other.