How To Survive Challenging Relatives At Thanksgiving

SAN ANGELO, TX - As Thanksgiving approaches, a survey from the American Psychological Association reveals that 41% of U.S. adults report increased stress during the holiday season, with 43% saying stress interferes with their ability to enjoy the season.

Additionally, 36% perceive the holidays as competitive, particularly when navigating challenging family dynamics.

Mental health advocate and author Marni Goldman, known for her work addressing emotional traumas, offers strategies to manage tense family gatherings:

• Avoid Political Discussions: Family members may provoke disagreements by bringing up polarizing topics. Goldman advises nodding or avoiding engagement to de-escalate potential conflicts.
• Delegate Annoyances: Redirect intrusive or unwanted questions to other family members. For example, Goldman suggests using humor, saying, “Well cousin Louie, you’ll have to discuss your theory with Mike over there.”
• Create Distance: Sitting far from challenging relatives can minimize direct communication.
• Encourage Overeating: Overindulging in turkey and side dishes often leads to lethargy, potentially reducing the energy for heated exchanges.
• Stay Busy: Volunteering for meal prep or running errands can provide a productive escape from difficult interactions.

Goldman, CEO of Fabulously Flawed Inc., draws from personal experiences to help individuals navigate complex emotions during the holidays. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining boundaries and self-care to reduce stress.

For more information on Goldman’s work, visit Fabulously Flawed.