How much do you enjoy family reunions?
By bluerhapsody
@bluerhapsody (161)
January 15, 2012 12:33pm CST
I hate family reunions because I can't do small talk with them. They know my dirty family secrets because well they are family. At least with friends and strangers, you could filter out the really embarrassing stuff. Then they try to pry and make salacious gossip. There is the backbiting and the power plays among them. adult, I can't just walk off coz yah know respect thy elders.
Family parties are stressful. I always thought that I was strange hating all these family get-togethers but by reading books and articles, it seems the aversion for these delightful social occasions is quite common.
I am glad. So I hate family reunions. How about you?
7 responses
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
16 Jan 12
It's sad that you feel that way of your family reunions. However, if one has relatives who are gossipers and who can't help but degrade some family, then it's better not to attend one.
But as for me , i love family reunions. My cousins and relatives are really so accommodating. we welcome each other graciously and the talk is non-stop in updating the events in one's own family such as the wife or husband or new child of the niece and nephews.
It's really enjoyable to have family reunions. Family bonds are strengthened.
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@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
17 Jan 12
Just be civil with your pretentious relatives. When family reunions come, be with those good group of your relatives.
That way, you get to connect with your relatives because it is important that the ties with relatives be maintained.
@bluerhapsody (161)
•
16 Jan 12
I am glad for you! Yeah, well. The problem for me is mostly on my father's side because my aunt and uncle are really pretentious folk who look down on others. But the others are all good. I hope that I do become more bonded with my families.
I can see I am getting better because before I would try to stay over at my friends' homes if the holidays or family occasions are nearing. Now, I do actually go and plaster a smile on my face.
@kukueye (1759)
• Malaysia
16 Jan 12
PErsonally i don like noisy places especially in larget gathering of crowd and relatives where alot of busy bodies and such.Usually i avoid them and even in going out with friends i prefer less than 4 people or max 5 people , 5 alse will be the stress threshold i can handle.Maybe i not comfortable with talks and the quesetions being asked in such gathering.
@bluerhapsody (161)
•
16 Jan 12
Yes, families are known to be nosy. It seems to me the older generations can just ask anything under the sun. So stressful. But I guess we'll just have to learn to deflect sensitive issues in conversations to survive these parties.
@vycess (1588)
• Saudi Arabia
15 Jan 12
Your not alone with that. I also hate family reunions, even when they are only visiting to our house. I just locked myself in my room. I'm not close to them and don't like to talk to them either. I'm not a good relative? LOL, but if we need each others help, we help each other when there's problem.
@bluerhapsody (161)
•
16 Jan 12
Thank YOU! I do not feel so alone anymore. It is great to have some people behind my back but still... family dealings drain the life out of you. The idea that you are connected to these people makes you more than cautious.
@obe212003 (2299)
• Philippines
16 Jan 12
i enjoy family reunions especially during christmas! i really feel comfortable being with family as it is a CIRCLE of ties that tends to bond no matter what. one can change partners and friends, but never a FAMILY as blood runs thick within, and sooner or later in life, family would always be where you could run into.
@bluerhapsody (161)
•
16 Jan 12
Yeah, I know what you mean but for unstable families, it gets really painful and you may have to cut ties but I am glad you enjoy them.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
16 Jan 12
I don't. They are stressfull to me and I don't go over. Good thing is the part of the family I have contact with doesn't like it either. Also think there is no need to meet if you never have contact through the year.
I already find birthday parties kind of crime. Go over if I need to but I get tired of all the blahblah and the never ending stories about nothing.
Good thing my kids feel the same (except perhaps my son in law).
I don't care about the family secrets or so, think we are way too open for that so there are no secrets.
Perhaps we all will be together if the bf of one of my daughters is visiting us end of March. All means: my kids (4) and dutch son in law. Don't think my husband will get a visa for that.
@bluerhapsody (161)
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23 Jan 12
Yeah, it is kind of weird to be all "chummy" with people you don't know or hang out with too much. Family reunions maybe pleasant if only there weren't too many probing questions and comments that are subtly insulting.
@aquacan (216)
• China
16 Jan 12
I do enjoy family reunions. Though sometimes it makes me feel awkward and embarrassing on some occassions. But getting together with family members is one of those things I expect for a whole year. For college students who are far away from their home like me, a family gathering brings me warmth and comfort. This kind of feeling gets stronger when I am getting older.
@bluerhapsody (161)
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16 Jan 12
Hmm, I am still young so maybe I'll have a different view when I get older and when there is a new generation up for torture ...um.. er spotlight.
@homeshoppers (6166)
• Philippines
15 Jan 12
i love family reunions coz its the time for me to see the whole family though it doesnt mean of talking to them entirely as adult have heir own and kids have their own of course teenage have their own group. like kids can play around, teenage can talk about what latest gossip around nor school or their crushes or whatever things while adult and old can talk about their life, plan and other things about life and their family. i also love the food.
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