There’s nothing like being ready to tuck into a tasty holiday meal when the dreaded question comes: ‘What’s for dinner?'”
“Have you dated anyone yet?”
“How soon will you have children?”
Liz Kelly, a licensed clinical social worker, says that family dynamics are often complicated despite the expectation of joy, love, and togetherness during the holiday season.
Image Credit: Pexels/Askar Abayev
Kelly says that even though their motivation may not be harmful or destructive, the question can be pretty painful. A challenging situation can become even more complicated when the questions range from uncomfortable to downright invasive. There are ways to make your holiday dinner more enjoyable. Learn how to prepare for and navigate awkward conversations with experts.
Prepare Mentally For Unwanted Questions
Make sure you prepare yourself mentally before the event. Kelly suggests taking care of yourself to get your mind right. Ensure you’re well rested, get some physical activity, or go outside. So that you don’t enter your family events feeling already defeated.
Respond In A Way That Feels Comfortable To You
Kelly says to remember, “you don’t owe anyone any information,” and you should only “share whatever you feel comfortable sharing.” Asking questions or changing the subject can be another way to change the conversation.
Image Credit: Pexels/Nicole Michalou
Maintain Healthy Mental Boundaries
It’s essential to establish boundaries. Never feel obligated to explain yourself if someone asks for more information. Kelly says, “That’s not something I feel comfortable talking about.” Respect your boundaries by asking people respectfully. Please do not bring it up right now. I don’t feel comfortable talking about it.
Recharge Your Emotional Batteries
If you experienced tension during the event, you might need to shake it off or recharge your emotional energy once you return home. My favorite thing to do when feeling cluttered is to read since it clears my mind from all the things I have been pondering for so long. Some may choose to exercise or go out with friends and debrief. No matter what, it’s a healthy and appropriate way to deal with what’s happened.”