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Dealing With Unpleasant Relatives
Family members can be difficult to deal with, especially when confronting the ones you would rather avoid. If you are struggling to manage your relationship with relatives you hate, take a look at these tips on how to cope.
Start by understanding your feelings
Oftentimes, dealing with difficult family members involves managing and understanding your own emotions. Taking a quiet step back and allowing yourself to reflect on what you're feeling and why can help provide clarity and insight into the relationship.
Take the time to develop effective strategies
An effective strategy for dealing with an unpleasant relative might involve setting boundaries and limits to your interactions. Avoid getting defensive or sinking to their level of behavior. Having a plan each time you interact with this person can provide structure and help you anticipate potential moments of frustration or difficulty.
Remember that you can only control your own behavior
- Stay respectful of yourself and your relative despite how they treat you
- Establish clear priorities and expectations for yourself
- Strive to express yourself honestly and clearly when faced with difficult conversations
- Be willing to walk away from a situation when necessary
Consider seeking outside help
Sometimes having a mental health professional provide additional perspective and guidance can provide new clarity and insight into managing your relationship with an unpleasant family member. He or she can provide unbiased support and guidance.