44 thoughts on “Question of the Day – No. 376

  1. This may be your most challenging question yet. I have a lot of kin; when they’re difficult I kiss them goodbye. Seriously, I’m at a point in my life where if they give me a hard time, I let them know that I have zero tolerance for bullshit. On the flip side, I have several sincere and loving relatives.

  2. This is a very tough question.
    You have to be honest, sometimes hard, and even then it’s often not enough.
    At that point, as unfair as it may be, you’re the one that has to act, and maybe say goodbye.

    1. I’m glad you switched your focus from something you cannot change (their thinking) to yourself. I guess there is no other way…

  3. I avoid them. I’ve learned that it’s the best thing for everyone involved. It doesn’t do anyone any good to show up at a gathering where I know they’ll be only to get angry at them for their behavior. Things could get very ugly very quickly. I don’t see the point of putting myself in that position when I could just simply avoid it instead.

      1. In that case just tell them they’re being difficult

  4. These reply boxes aren’t long enough to cover that one. For my family I’ve tried to remember what my parents would think of my actions and go from there in dealing with siblings. If I feel I’ve made the effort and it isn’t accepted then we just part ways. With inlaws I don’t think I make as much of an effort to fix it, if its getting broke. Usually I just back off those relationships unless I see the other party making an effort. I’m always open to fresh starts. But I also don’t forget the past. It saves getting burned again.

    1. A healthy approach, I think. What I find very interesting is that they don’t even realize sometimes that they crossed the line…

  5. Honestly? I put at least two states between me and them, and one of those states was Texas. Absence not only makes the heart grow fonder; it makes the sanity grow stronger.

  6. When I started caring more for myself and my own beliefs than seeking approval from others. It took a long time to get here, but I like myself now.

  7. I am writing a book on the subject: “Sanity in spite of Humanity: 6 Rules to dealing with in-laws, outlaws, and dumb masses.” When I get it finished, I can let you know. The first two rules are anger is weakness and calm is contagious.

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