How Do You Attend A (Dis-Functional) Family Reunion?
If you get an invitation to a family reunion, you don’t have to scream “Oh, Nooooooooooooooo.” The decision is yours, whether to attend or not, but some pre-reunion mental preparation and setting up a support system for yourself can make it bearable, even enjoyable. Trust me… You don’t have to go. Just knowing that life will go on if you actually blew the whole thing off and didn’t attend, can be emotionally freeing. Now YOU are in control, you are making a choice. Make plans to stay in a hotel or at a good friend’s house nearby if you are not within close driving distance. A safe haven is your calm away from the storm. Having a “Plan B” is very comforting. Leave before dark and enjoy the hotel’s pool or room service if the reunion is too stressful. Don’t dredge up the past. Getting set to uncork on Auntie So-in-So for the time she stole your Mom’s favorite silver goblets stops here. A family reunion is a few hours, possibly a little longer, just ignore her. Well, maybe refuse to eat
