How can I make my family happy and not seem insensitive?
10 Answers
Last Updated: 06/26/2018 at 3:44pm
Moderated by
Paola Giordani, Psychoanalyst
Licensed Psychoanalyst
I have helped and am helping people cope with loss, divorce, anguish and parenting. Depression is also a major issue that comes up.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
May 5th, 2015 2:23am
You might not be able to, darling. And that's okay.
Making your family happy can be easier if you set boundaries; by letting they know what areas of your life they can offer an opinion or suggestion. This will encourage them to understand your life belongs to you, and making happy is important, but you cannot alter your goals to do it.
Anonymous
February 1st, 2015 2:08am
Families often ask too much from us, or so we feel... It is hard to please everyone at the same time. So, it is important that we are happy with ourselves and don't pressure our feelings. If we are really satisfied with what we do, we will have a good impact on those around us (family and friends) even though it isn't exactly what they're asking from us. If after all they think that we are still insensitive, then we should face them and clarify things. If we are happy they will be happy too!
Model what happy looks like...I can't make anyone happy, I can just work on my own happiness. This can be achieved without being insensitive to others needs by being respectful and empathetic.
Dont make them worried. If they get mad at you,they just care about you. If you're really at fault, apologize. Dont say word that is too over. Nothing hurts more than their children using words that hurt them too deeply.
Anonymous
June 17th, 2015 1:40am
By making yourself happy and being the best person you can. Be a supportive family member but also keep healthy boundaries.
Anonymous
August 11th, 2015 4:09pm
Your question is a little vague but what I would suggest is, ask your family what you could do to show your appreciation towards them. Even that alone, may show them that you are trying to be less "insensitive" and are looking to make them happy. Other that asking them, you could do house chores that are not asked of you by them or do something special for them. If you can or allowed to make meals, maybe one night, surprise them by making something. Anything you do to show someone you appreciate them is all ways of showing how much you care about them. I hope everything works out! :)
Anonymous
July 25th, 2016 8:32am
The best advice I was given is to not do things that people like. Avoid doing things that people do not like. The second thing is to actively listen to what they are saying(show that you're listening). You also need to be empathetic and sympathetic to what they are saying.
The best way to do this is to change perspectives. Put yourself in your family members shoes. Then you can act based on how they would feel. But make sure not to put yourself on the bottom of the list, you deserve love too.
Anonymous
June 26th, 2018 3:44pm
Be as open and honest with your family as possible. Try to speak calmly to avoid any possible offense, but if you are truthful about how you feel your family will likely be more receptive to your opinions.
Related Questions: How can I make my family happy and not seem insensitive?
My father is having an extramarital affair. Part of me wants to end my relationship with him for cheating on my mom, but i worry that he will be depressed as he loves me a lot. How do I deal with this situation?How to connect a person online with a therapist?How can I make my family understand that I'm not seeking attention and just trying to get the help I need?What do I do if my father thinks I hate him even after I told him I don't?How do I tell my parents I don't want to go to church?What age is too young to leave home?How do I live with a mentally-ill parent?My dad likes to touch me. Is this sexual abuse?How do I deal with a religious family as an atheist?What do I do when my husband ignores me?