Family Therapy
As excited as you probably are to see your family around the holidays (whether you'll be celebrating in-person or online), you might be nervous about how spending time with your family will affect you mentally and emotionally.
Seeing family members you haven't seen in awhile sometimes means enduring awkward questions like "How's your love life?" or "When are you going to have kids?" Other times, you might feel pressured to pack your calendar with family engagements, even when you'd rather say no.
Setting firm but fair boundaries with family can help you alleviate your anxieties and enjoy the holidays without dread. Here's how:
⭐️ Be specific about the boundaries you want to set. For example, there may be a certain party you don't want to attend or a certain topic of conversation you'd rather avoid.
⭐️ Have the conversation when everyone involved is calm. Delving into boundaries while angry is a surefire recipe for conflict -- and won't help your family see you as a grown-up adult capable of making decisions for themself.
⭐️ Be kind but assertive. You do not need to compromise on boundaries that are important to you, but you can let your family know that in a respectful way. When you feel comfortable, explaining the reasoning behind your boundaries may aid your family's understanding.
It's normal not to want to disappoint your loved ones, but it's also important to uphold your boundaries for the sake of your mental health -- especially during this hectic yet exciting time of year!
If you struggle to set boundaries or say no to others, you're not alone. Contact Life by Design Therapy to learn how our expert therapists can help you define your boundaries and assert your needs in a firm but fair way.
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