Types of Relatives During the Holidays

The season of family festivities is upon us. Whether it’s a Thanksgiving meal, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years or whatever else requires to be with your extended family. For some of us, this is actually a really good thing! Maybe your life is too busy to catch up with some of the people you love. But maybe, this may be a thing you dread every year. Whatever your view may be, check out some of the relatives you might encounter during the holidays.

The One Who Won’t Stop Asking About Your Love Life

If you are single, this can become a dreadful topic of conversation. Honestly, you don’t even know when you’ll find the one. Dating is hard nowadays. And it’s not like you’re going to tell them about your horrid Tinder experiences.

If you are in a relationship, they might ask when you’re getting married. This can be especially awkward if you brought your significant other along. It will happen when it will happen, no need for them to get on your grill.

If you are married with no kids, they might say something about biological clocks or about them not getting any younger to meet your future children. This is especially rude if you are trying to conceive and things aren’t working out the way you want them too. Even if you weren’t, it’s yours and your partner’s decision and their input is not welcomed.

And even if you’re way past having kids, they might ask about your sex life and about marital problems and the like. Honestly, no matter your age or what stage in life you are, avoiding this question in any form might be nearly impossible.

The One With Controversial Opinions

There are some relatives where controversial or insensitive material is not off the table. This can make can situation uncomfortable, especially if it’s not something you personally believe in or agree with. Do you sit there uncomfortably and hear him/her rant about things you don’t agree with? Do you respectfully tell them to stop and that this is neither the place nor the time for conversations like these? Do you state your opinions too and have a debate at the dinner table? Do you leave early because you’re too offended and mad?

The One Who Won’t Stop Drinking

There might be someone who chugs one beer after another. Or who keeps refilling their wine glass. Or maybe had a little bit too much of the spiked eggnog. You know which relative I’m talking about. They get a little sloppy, they get a little loud, they get a little emotional. You’ve seen it, it’s awkward for everyone. It’s like the holiday get-together turned into a college party, except nobody but that person got the memo.

The One That Always Has a Comment About Your Weight

If you haven’t seen your family in a while, or sometimes even if you have, there is always that person who has a comment about your weight.

“You’re a little bigger since I last saw you. Are you sure you want to get your third serving?”

Then there might be the comment about you being too thin and asking if you’re actually eating properly at home. Which they then proceed to forcefully feed you more.

You are trying to practice body positivity here and be at peace with your own body. When you get comments about your eating habits and about being too thin or too thick, it is not something that resonates well. They should let you enjoy the holidays and let you eat, or don’t eat, what you want. Also, they should look in the mirror and reflect upon themselves before attacking someone else.

The One Who Tries To Give You Career Advice

Whether you’re still in school, trying to make it out on your own or have an established career, there are some family members who try to give you their two cents about your career choices.

Advice is super cool if you ask for it. The problem is that most of the time you actually don’t. And what sucks, even more, is that sometimes they have no idea what your major or career is. You’re out there chasing the dream, or figuring out what to do with your life. The last thing you actually need is added external pressure from family members.

Summary

The holidays are supposed to be a happy, joyish time, whether you enjoy your extended family or not. So try not to get too bothered by it. Also, remember that family is the people who love you and want the best for you. And they don’t always have to be related to you by blood. Do whatever makes you happy this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Your family at Fuse Lenses