How to Deal With Difficult Relatives During the Holiday Season

The holidays can sometimes be stressful and exhausting. Some people can let it get to them and instead of enjoying the beauty of the holidays, they're less than pleasant and can get on the nerves of those around them. Those that can be this way, especially if they are your relatives, can be the most difficult to deal with. Just because they're a part of your life and your holidays doesn't mean that you have to have a rough time. There are simple ways that you can keep the peace, enjoy your loved ones and have a wonderful holiday.

Instructions

1. Say "no" if you have to. If one or more of your relatives is throwing orders at you and insisting that you go here and go there when you simply don't have the time, don't be afraid to tell him kindly that you can't. Give him an honest reason and tell him that you're stretched to the max and as much as you would love to, you simply don't have the availability.

2. Don't give a nasty retort back, especially at gatherings. Snapping back at someone that is being nasty or making snide comments is only going to encourage her to keep nagging you. Also, not only is it better to not say anything, but she's going to be the one to embarrass herself at family gatherings instead of you.

3. Avoid talking to him if you're not in the mood. If you know that a certain relative can be difficult and you're in a bad mood, put off talking to him if you know there's a good chance that he may agitate you. If you see him in person and you know he's in a bad mood or you are, try to stay busy so you don't have to stop and talk to him. It may seem mean, but if one or both of you is highly tense, putting the both of you together at that moment may not be the best idea.

4. Be as sweet as honey. If a relative is in especially rare form, be as nice to her as you can. You may be able to put her in a better mood so that she's not so difficult, not only to you, but to others around her as well.

5. Attempt to compromise. If a difficult relative asks you to do things, try to not turn him down flat. Assess his request first to see if there is a compromise that you both will be happy with. Sometimes difficult people can be even more so if they feel ignored or flat out denied for no reason.