This month’s Ask Coach Kathy features my appearance on Channel 3’s morning show, Live on Lakeside to discuss how to avoid fighting with your relatives over the holidays.
Last week I taped a segment on Channel 3’s morning show, Live on Lakeside to air on Christmas Eve morning.
The topic was: How to Avoid Fighting with Your Relatives at the Holiday.
Below are the 6 points on how to do that:
- Send a text, email, or handwritten note ahead of the holiday to a particular person or family with whom you might have tension. Your note is to simply say you are looking forward to getting together at the holiday. If things between you are very stressed, you can tack on the “Looking forward” message to more logistical info, such as “I’m bringing dessert for the meal.” This kind of communication lays the groundwork for a more harmonious experience.
- If you are hosting the dinner, set limits to it. Whatever the end time is, be sure you include that time in the invite. If you have family members who overstay their welcome, have planned to see a movie. It clears the house every time.
- If you are going to someone else’s house and you know you want to limit your time at the event, make sure you let the host know ahead of time that you have to leave early. Eating and running does not often go well.
- If an argument or gossip begins at the family gathering, simply stand up and quietly leave the room. Even if there is gossip going on and you aren’t contributing to it, leave the room anyway. To stay present and listen to it says you are interested in hearing the “dirt.”
- Give a culinary compliment. Ask a family member for one of his/her favorites holiday recipes, and make the dish. It’s a great bridge-builder.
- Toast your family during the gathering, showing gratitude for being together. It sprinkles positive energy throughout the room.
Do you have sensitive issues in your relationships that you need help with? Ask Coach Kathy about it. Submit your question below.
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