Secrets to a Drama-Free Holiday
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Difficult people are everywhere, and you must find a way to deal with them. When a family member is hard to deal with, we cannot remove ourselves from the situation because their connection to us is more complicated and intimate. When acquaintances like friends, colleagues, lovers, or neighbors become difficult, you can remove yourself from the situation. With family, we are more obligated to get along to avoid putting stress and strain on other familial relationships.
Trying to fix a problematic family member is easier said than done, and the more one tries, the more demands the difficult person makes. Recognizing and stopping an interaction with a difficult family member is essential when it's no longer about solutions and only about winning.
Causes of Family Drama
Family drama can happen due to poor communication, unresolved issues from the past, and personality conflicts. If left alone, these conflicts can impact our mental well-being negatively and create a toxic family environment. It is best to recognize warning signs and take action to maintain healthy relationships with your family members and avoid drama.
Communication Breakdown
When people in a family don't have open and honest communication, it leads to misunderstanding, which can cause stress and tension. People sometimes need to listen better, find it difficult to say what they mean, and jump to conclusions. With better communication, talking openly, and with empathy, family members can clear up confusion and create a happier, more understanding atmosphere.
Personality Clashes
Family members might not be in sync with each other's values and beliefs or have conflicts with their personalities. These tensions lead to arguments and escalate if not dealt with properly. The family must show empathy, respect each other's differences, and find acceptance to keep the peace at home.
Past unresolved issues
Holding grudges and unresolved past issues cause trouble and strain relationships between family members and loved ones. These issues can make family get-togethers and everyday life tense and uncomfortable. Families can strengthen relationships with each other and decrease tensions by facing problems directly, having honest conversations, and finding solutions.
Common Instigators of Family Drama
There can be socially toxic individuals who may be holding long-term grudges or personality tensions and are not mindful of whom they hurt. These individuals may display some of the following characteristics:
- No filter of speech or actions to the point of offending others.
- Short temper over the slightest event.
- Tendencies to be opinionated, rigid, suspicious, and hold grudges without forgiving.
- Needs to be the center of attention or will act out.
- You and others must gauge this person's mood and walk on eggshells around them.
- They use a victim role or expect special or royal treatment.
Dealing with prolonged family drama and stressful situations can damage mental and physical health and cause feelings of anxiety, depression, and psychological issues. Family drama creates an unstable, unpredictable atmosphere and can become unsafe if left unchecked. Finding healthy ways to cope is imperative to maintain your overall well-being.
Plan for a Positive Way to Reduce Family Drama
What can you do to reduce family drama:
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Don't ignore toxic behavior; set boundaries regarding unacceptable behavior, even if it means barring adult children from holiday meals unless behaviors change.
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Avoid discussing topics that become divisive, and don't allow someone's drama to diminish your enjoyment of the holidays.
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Set time limits and start without those who don't show up to avoid attention-seeking dramatic entrances.
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Dangerous behavior (excessive drinking, weapons) or divisive behavior that victimizes others should not be allowed. If things get out of hand, call the police.
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Remember, we are only safe when we avoid or control those individuals or situations that would harm us; you have no social or familial obligation to be victimized.
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Give praise for attempts to get along and accept each other.
Strategies to Deal with Family Drama
Handling family drama can be challenging, but these strategies can help make your family life more peaceful and loving. Remember to talk openly, listen attentively and empathetically, and avoid misconceptions. Set firm limits, avoid divisiveness, ensure safety, and learn how to handle conflicts and compromise for solutions. Understand your and others' emotions, avoid blame, and forgive and let go. Spread positivity by planning outings and celebrating achievements among your family members. Get professional help if there is difficulty resolving issues. By implementing these tips, you can have healthier family outings and relationships and less drama.
The holidays are when families gather, and not all family members are free of drama in their lives and can bring their issues into the atmosphere. Other family members can be affected by this tension, and the holidays may lose their luster. If you struggle with managing episodes of family drama at this time, consider using Marriage In a Box as a resource for helpful suggestions and guidance.
Marriage In a Box provides access to tools and techniques professionals use for relationship issues. You can set goals, earn rewards, and find marriage coaching on the site. Check out the available kit and sources of information online.
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