How to Deal with Difficult Relatives

5 Wonderful Tips to Deal with Difficult Relatives

How to Deal with Difficult Relatives

1. Before you go into the house or room, take a few minutes to prepare yourself. Think about how you would like things to be, and how you should act to maintain harmony.  You can’t control them but you can stay in control of your personal responses and reactions to them.

2. Think of the kinds of things they might say that are likely to annoy you, or cause you to see red. Then think of some innocuous, polite responses that will defuse the emotion – and cause them to back off.

3. Avoid any topics that will lead to arguments, and don’t take the bait if they try to draw you in to discuss any subjects that you know will create strife.

4. Try and join in the old family traditions, even if you think that they are tedious and boring. They likely mean a lot to some members of the family, so get in the spirit and just go with the flow.

5. Decide in advance to enjoy yourself. You might as well have fun as it’s Christmas time.  

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