Q: Okay, so I have this problem…. I absolutely “dread” doing anything with my husband’s family.
It’s a long sordid story, but in a nutshell, I’ve been married for 11 years and have NEVER felt comfortable with my in-laws and even his siblings. The family is not close, but have two-three family “get togethers” each year and we’re expected to go.
I do not want to stress my husband out, so I rarely mention to him that I’m uncomfortable. The few times I have brought the subject up he dismisses it, makes excuses for their behavior and I usually take the children and suck it up for the few hours we’re there…..any advice I could take with me on future gatherings??
Thanks for the advice in advance!!! 🙂
SCOTT: I always try to look for a silver lining (when there is one, that is), and yours is that you live far enough away that you don’t have to do those dreadful get-togethers that often. Really, what’s a couple times a year?
I don’t know, but something tells me you can handle it.
Oh, I do have a pointer for you though: spend as much of those painful hours interacting with your kids. How easy is that?
The money shot is that no one will take your standoffishness personally, and they’ll ooh and ahh over what an attentive mother you are. Excellent!