The holidays are not always enjoyable especially if you have a less than idyllic family of origin and feel stressed around the potential of conflict, unresolved issues or alcohol/substance abuse.
If you are dreading your annual holiday gatherings, this can cause a lot of anticipatory worry and unease about the events to come.
Here are some thoughts about how to prepare:
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- Make a plan. How will you handle difficult situations if they arise? If your partner will be with you, enlist his/her support. If you are single, consider your options ahead of time should things go south.
- Set boundaries. Part of self-care means giving yourself permission not to be around toxic interactions. If things get uncomfortable, excuse yourself and step outside for a bit of fresh air and a few deep breaths to manage your reactivity and avoid being pulled into a dysfunctional dynamic. Worse case, leave.
- Let the positive in. Don't let your worry about what could happen keep you from noticing the good that might actually also exist. Take in and appreciate nice connections when they occur.
The good news is you can learn to be assertive and break out of unhealthy relationship dynamics.
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