How to Get Along With Unpleasant Family Members

It has been said that blood is thicker than water. But what happens when your relatives make your blood boil? Here are some tips that will get you through the next family reunion or family dinner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Maturity
• Self Confidence

1. Avoid controversy. Whether it be the way you wear your hair, your political affiliation, or how low you wear your pants, it is wise to make an effort at appeasement. If your father hates your exposed midriff, wear a t-shirt or polo that covers all. If it’s your political leanings that irk your Uncle Jon, avoid the topic completely. Life is all about choosing the hills you want to die on. While you shouldn’t be a pushover, you need to pick what battles are worth fighting.
2. Talk to your friends. If you have a verbally abusive parent or relative, positive reinforcement from your buddies is the best way to deal.
3. Treat your siblings or cousins as allies. If a family member is unpleasant to you, chances are they treat others the same way. You can typically cope or defend yourself better with an ally.
4. Always have a buffer. Try to avoid being stuck alone with the unpleasant family member. By having someone there to break the tension, it's possible the grumpy relative will lay off. This is where your ally comes in handy the most.
5. Confront the person. If you feel angry to the point of action, you should do something about it. By letting the unpleasantness continue, you’re only giving the person the green light. Be careful though. You might be in for a nasty altercation.
6. Go to a family counselor. A professional might be the best one to rebuild any burnt bridges.