Dealing with difficult relatives

It’s hard to thread the needle between not letting offensive comments pass, but not wasting your time or ruining a gathering’s mood over a shitty relative who won’t actually change his mind.

“Kyle Rittenhouse blah blah blah”

“You know, I can’t stand the thought of encouraging people with emotional problems to arm themselves with guns and take to the streets, but I’ve been so busy with hobby/work that I didn’t follow that trial specifically. Haven’t you been learning how to play golf—how’s that going?”

Ho Ho ho, r1, as if Uncle Ragey or Cousin Combative will let THAT pass!!

OP you seriously need to grow up

Why do you all clientele with these dreadful people?

I was thinking about how much is going on right now and how many heated debates/discussions/arguments there will be today at the T-Day table.

Rittenhouse...smash-and-grabs by the gangs...the Christmas parade guy...inflation...chain of distribution issues...

Should make for interesting conversations...

In our family we were taught NEVER to discuss politics or money. It makes for civilized gathering.

Anything you'd like to share about politics, religion, or foreign policy, while you're unloading your mind grapes, r3?

vicious face slapping allowed

In our family, as soon as someone starts on a rant, somebody starts singing a certain silly song, others join in, and that shuts down the rant while annoying the hell out of the ranter.

1mg Xanax and as much whiskey as you can drink. You won't remember a thing and you'll giggle away the meal.

R6 all my middle-class relatives talk about is money—investments, property, bargains they’ve found, the rising costs of living. It makes me squirm, I can’t stand it.

Or just don't go! I go home for Easter, which is a much more laid back holiday than today or Christmas. Life is too short; don't go somewhere on a holiday where you don't want to be, and/or with people you don't want to be with.

Just remember, no matter how bad it is, it’s nothing like what Princess Diana went through.

I found the perfect solution, I informed them years ago that I would be no longer hosting the holidays and wasn't interested in coming to the holidays at their house, best decision I ever made, but then I have no problem being alone. Alone doesn't mean lonely.

Agreed r14!

[quote] PASS THE POTATOES. Translation: die!!!!

You could get very fat that way though if there are a lot of argumentative people at the table.

I snuggle alone warm in bed, no heat because I’m poor, tapping away on my iPhone writing whatever, just inhabiting my mind, my only sometimes friend …

Remembering Jessica Tandy in movie where Morgan Freeman plays her driver, as he spoons pumpkin pie into her mouth at the rest hime, “ You are my only friend “

Don't go. Life is too short to spend it with people you don't like and whose relationship to you is a genetic accident. If you're like me, it will take several days to shake these people off. If there's an old relative you love who is near death or you have nieces and nephews you care about, see them during the year.

The same goes for Xmas. I wish R17 a happy holiday.

Thanksgiving is a stupid artificial ritual perpetuated by a mindset of conformity.

You could say that about every holiday, r19

It's better to be alone than to wish you were. I changed my phone number.

It is ok to skip it and have a day alone, eating and doing what you like.

Or go and try to exist as a detached observer.

I would opt out. That should be one of the perqs of being an adult. Why supply assholes with captive audiences who are trained from childhood to be polite?

For Christ's sake, you're a fuckin' grown up, state your boundaries and if they don't respect it, call them out on it or leave.

BEGONE, r24! I command thee!

Today I slept in. Had a latte and scone and walked my dogs. Watched a movie, helped a friend make stuffing to bring to her relatives' house, walked the dogs again and had spaghetti carbonara for a late lunch.

In my basement fridge is roast turkey, Brussel sprouts, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes and pie from Whole Foods. I may have it today or over the weekend.

I do not have to put up with my blowhard Republican brother and his wife, the queen of Fibromyalgia. I don't have to go to anyone's house and be obligated to charm people I've never met. This may be the best Thanksgiving I've ever had.

And I wish the same to all of you.

Cheers, r26!

"You could say that about every holiday, [R19]"

CUNT!!!!