Use These Tips To Navigate Family Conflict During The Holiday Season

“For many of us, the holidays can be extra difficult because we are dealing with family conflict and all the drama and discomfort it can bring.

You’re not alone.

1. Set boundaries: You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You don’t have to go places you don’t want to go. And you don’t need to subject yourself to conflict you don’t want to be a part of. Setting boundaries will protect you from situations and circumstances that don’t align with the vibe you want to have in your life. You’re the boss of you — you can decide who you will be around and when.

2. Communicate: Repeat after me: I. Am. Not. A. Doormat. That’s right — you’re not. If loved ones try to involve you in their drama, question your decisions, ask you awkward and overly personal questions, judge you, make you feel less-than, or assume you’re just going to go along with whatever they want and need, you can speak up. Say no, say no thank you, say you will not get involved, say you won’t be attending dinner this year, etc. Be clear, be firm, be kind. Contrary to what you might think, you don’t need to justify your decisions or provide any explanations.

3. Lean on a healthy support system: Navigating family drama is stressful and draining. Doing it on your own is even worse. Nip that isolation in the bud and find a good support system to help get you through it. Your best friend, your partner, a family member that isn’t creating drama and you can trust. Whoever it is, lean on them.

4. See a therapist: Sometimes that expert opinion and guidance is what we need to make the decisions we are scared to make because we don’t want to hurt other people.

Take care of yourself: Be active. Journal. Go out and have fun with friends. Meditate. Do yoga. Find a new book series to get through. Whatever you do, do something just for you. When you feel good, mentally and physically, everything else is a little bit easier.”

Read the full article on Medium

✨Takeaway: The holiday season can be severely hampered by dealing with challenging relatives and circumstances, but that doesn't have to be the case. You have the power. Take care of yourself, speak up for yourself, and spend time with those who make you happy

✨Reflection: How do you navigate family conflict during the holidays?

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