How To Survive Through The Festive Days With A Dysfunctional Family?
The festive days shown in movies and TV shows are just a spectacular time filled with love, joy, celebration and food. But in the real world, they can be very different. Are you one of those people who find it difficult to be around your family? Do you have a hard time functioning well, around each other? Do you end up arguing with your family as you welcome the festival season? Well, in that case, I’ve got news for you, you are part of a dysfunctional family, much like me. People like us have an incredibly hard time dealing with the festive season. When it comes to my family, we can never really get through festivals like Diwali without various arguments, serious fights, tears, heartbreaks and even disastrous decisions. The last year, we literally forgot to put out candles because we were too busy arguing. I swear family time for dysfunctional families can very quickly, become the recipe for disaster. But, traditional festivals like Diwali and Bhai Dooj demand all of us be together under one roof because no matter what, we all want to spend festivals with our family, don’t we?
Celebrating festive days with a dysfunctional family is filled with expectations, fights, pain, disappointments and anger. So how can you have a few days together without giving in to the urge to kill each other? Well, we have a guide for you. These points might help you have a better time together and might even help you have a little bit of fun while protecting your mental health and sanity.
6 Tips To Get Through The Festive Season With A Dysfunctional Family
1. Always Assume Innocence
Try to not find hidden motives in questions, conversations and comments. Members of your family might not always be criticising you, just try to focus on what they are asking or saying instead of looking for a subtext. Assume that they are genuinely interested in your life and not trying to find faults, this can make conversations much easier.
2. A Laugh Can Always Lighten The Mood
A laugh is contagious so if you say something with a laugh or a smile, the other person is more likely to not take offence to your statement. Try to not retaliate to any comment which upsets you instead, just be witty about it. Smiling through the day will release endorphins and increase the possibility of a better and more positive environment.
3. Try Not To Take Criticism Personally
There is always something in your life that might not be according to everyone’s liking and you most probably will be criticised in some way or other, just accept this as a fact. But, you also need to remember that everyone is entitled to their opinions and their criticism might be just a way for them to show their opinions. So that doesn’t mean you are wrong. Try to remain calm and change the topic or remove yourself from the situation tactfully instead of letting things escalate.
4. Help With The Chores
The festive season is a season of a lot of work. Cleaning the house, cooking the delicacies, shopping for gifts, etc. Contributing to doing all this work is more important because these chores are what unite the family. Doing small things together will be good for you all. If you are not appreciated for what you do or criticised for not doing it the right way, take a deep breath and remember that having a peaceful holiday is more important for your peace of mind. Always put your mental health first.
5. Remember, You Are Allowed To Take A Break
If the stress and bickering get too much, take a break. Go to your room or go out with friends. You should be relaxed to have a relaxed holiday. Take care of your mind and peace before anything else. This break might relax you enough to not burst out in front of your family. This break can also help you feel refreshed, making it easier to deal with family time.
6. Reminiscing Can Bring Back The Happy Memories
Discussing happy memories together is the best way to bond with each other, once again. Take out that family album, and listen to the stories you might already know. These will create small moments of happiness and togetherness, and who knows, you might even discover some new interesting memories about your family members. This could really make things interesting.
Also Read: Away From Home This Diwali? Here’s What We Are Doing Instead Of Cribbing About It.
These are some ways you can have a happier and more peaceful holiday with your family and it’s always useful to remember that every family is dysfunctional in some way or other so, don’t compare and curse your luck. Instead, accept them as they are as it can be a very liberating feeling. Try to have as much fun as you can because life is short, don’t just let it pass you by while you’re busy complaining.
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