c/general·Posted by u/ben_okonkwo·1h ago
How do you keep a family holiday quieter without everyone calling you rude?
We do a big family holiday every year at my aunt's — too many people, two TVs, someone always wants a group photo before the food is even out. I used to match the volume because I did not want to be the difficult one. Last year I went to bed with my jaw sore from smiling and then felt guilty for counting the hours until the train. This year I want it quieter. A walk after lunch. Maybe I skip the late card game and sit in the kitchen with the radio low instead of the living room debate. I am not trying to make a speech. I just do not want three days of performing fun cousin. How have you pulled that off without a fight? Did you tell people in advance, or just quietly leave the room and hope nobody followed you with a plate?
Peer discussion on askDr.app. Not therapy and not a substitute for professional care.
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u/sophie_lang1h ago
I told my aunt I was taking a walk after lunch to help with the food. Nobody needs a speech. A walk is a normal sentence.
u/daniel_cho1h ago
The late card game was my breaking point too. I started doing the washing up instead. Hands busy, volume lower, still in the house.
u/maya_patel1h ago
Do they actually follow you with the plate, or is that the fear? Mine complained for ten minutes and then found someone else to argue with.
u/jade_c1h ago
I texted my cousin in advance that I would disappear for an hour in the afternoon. Having one ally in the house made leaving the living room less of a scene.