Survive the Holidays with Bullying Relatives
7 Holiday Survival Tips for Dealing with “Challenging” Relatives
by Susan Call, inspirational speaker and author
Can you feel it? There’s been a palpable change in the air…it’s almost as though you can tangibly feel the holiday excitement. With growing to-do lists, and plans still taking shape, it takes conscious effort not to get swept in the frenzy of holiday stress. And, if you are like most people you may feel that regardless of the amount of time you put into your holiday preparations, there is one thing that can derail your holiday celebrations… family. Regardless of how easily our families get along, sometimes different personalities get the best of us making the holidays feel unpredictable and stressful.
Maybe you too can recognize a few of these relatives?
- One-upper – The one-uppers seem compelled to top any and all stories they hear. They are quick to share their story that is a “one better” to whatever anyone else shares. When Aunt Martha shares that she finally made it to that Broadway show she’s wanted to go to, the one-upper quickly shares that they not only went to the same play, but they had front row seats and a back stage tour.
- It’s all about me – Every roads lead to the “all about me” relatives. What ever topic you bring up, seemingly with in seconds, they’ve hijacked your story and are telling one of their own that likely has nothing to do with the original story.
- The Gossip – Unlike the “it’s all about me” relatives, with these family members, it’s all about everyone else. They long to share everyone else’s news whether it’s appropriate or not.
- The boundary-less – Your business is their business, whether you want them in the middle of it or not. They will pry. They will push. They will diligently insert themselves.
You can’t change your family, so what can you do?
Read the entire article on Susan’s website>>
ABOUT SUSAN CALL
Susan Call is an inspirational speaker and author of A Search for Purple Cows, grand prize winner of Inspiring Voices Book Publishing Content. Her memoir is an inspiring story of forgiveness and redemption after betrayal and abuse.
Find A Search for Purple Cows on Amazon>>
