Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Let the Holiday Dysfunction Begin



*             Let the Holiday Dysfunction Begin

 

You know those perfectly curated holiday photos on social media? The ones with matching pajamas and pristine dinner tables? Let's talk about what's really happening behind the scenes for many of us.

Right now, someone's getting bombarded with passive-aggressive texts from Aunt Karen about why they're not coming to Christmas dinner. Someone else is trying to figure out how to dodge intrusive questions about their life choices. And plenty of us are setting boundaries with family members who think the holiday season gives them an all-access pass to our lives.

Here's what I've learned: You're not alone in this mess. Not even close.

Those uncomfortable family group chats? The guilt trips? The manipulation tactics? They're playing out in homes across the world right now. It's like a holiday tradition nobody asked for, but everyone got it anyway.

But here's the thing - and this is important:

You don't have to answer every message

You don't have to explain your choices

You don't have to accept toxic behavior just because it's family

You don't have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm

We can only control our own actions and responses. That's it. That's the whole game. And sometimes the most powerful response is no response at all.

To everyone dealing with family drama this holiday season: You have permission to protect your peace. You have the right to set boundaries. You have the choice to step away.

Your mental health matters more than meeting someone else's expectations of how the holidays "should" be.

Stay strong, keep those boundaries firm, and remember - you're not alone in this. Not by a long shot

 


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Let the Holiday Dysfunction Begin

              Let the Holiday Dysfunction Begin   You know those perfectly curated holiday photos on social media? The ones with matchin...

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