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Has this ever happened to you? Whether it's someone you just don't have anything in common with or someone who is manipulative or even someone who is toxic, what is the best way to handle the situation. Is it wrong to not want to be around certain relatives?
You don't have to be a doormat for someone just because they are related to you. Most of us don't like every last member of our family. As they say, you can't pick your relatives, but you can pick your friends. Politely decline this person's attempts to form a closer relationship with you. Cut any phone conversations short and "forget" to return texts or voicemails. The person should get the idea. You don't have to mean to them, just assertive. Make it plain that you are a busy person with other things to do.
Has this ever happened to you? Whether it's someone you just don't have anything in common with or someone who is manipulative or even someone who is toxic, what is the best way to handle the situation. Is it wrong to not want to be around certain relatives?
I don't think it's wrong. I don't see why we have to do this (be around people we don't like). I don't feel the duty to do so.
Has this ever happened to you? Whether it's someone you just don't have anything in common with or someone who is manipulative or even someone who is toxic, what is the best way to handle the situation. Is it wrong to not want to be around certain relatives?
When I got sick of her drama, I just told my eldest sibling that my life was better without her in it. End of story.
You are under no obligation to put up with people you can't stand just because you share some DNA. Life is too short for that.
I think there needs to be some clarification here. You will always have something in common with a relative, after all, you are related. In that case, surely some common ground can be found.
I don't have a problem setting boundaries up regarding attempts to manipulate me, and I can't think of any relative I would describe as toxic. I do have relatives I like a lot, and some I can merely tolerate, but they are still part of the family IMO.
Two years ago I told my mother that she was not welcome to come to visit me. We live hundreds of miles apart for a reason. I don't talk to her on the phone and I rarely respond to her on FB. Recently she asked if she could come visit. I said no. I have been a much more at peace person since I got that toxic BS out of my life.
Do what you need to do in order to be okay. It does not mater so much if the rest of the world thinks you are right or wrong. The rest of the world is not living your life.
Has this ever happened to you? Whether it's someone you just don't have anything in common with or someone who is manipulative or even someone who is toxic, what is the best way to handle the situation. Is it wrong to not want to be around certain relatives?
I'm not totally sure what you are asking. If you are at a family reunion and a relative insists on making a pest of him or herself? Or if a relative calls you trying to initiate social contact? Is this person your age? Is this person older?
If this is person who is your age, then treat him or her the way you would treat any peer you did not want to socialize with. If this is an older relative, then I'd suggest being polite but distant. Never tell this person, in either scenario, anything about yourself.
If this is a problem mainly at family gatherings, I'd be a little more lenient for the rest of the family' sake. Make small talk. Don't talk about yourself at all. Move out of range when you've had enough. If you can't take it after a while, leave early because you have an "appointment" or "have to get up early tomorrow for work."
No. My family is scattered and distant from one another. I am in contact with all individually but one who is a bit of a recluse. We have no hard feelings toward one another. I tried for years-Writing old school letters even after losses and illness of some family members to try and get us together between the ones out of state and the ones here. They exist in their own sphere, And accepting that made my life easier. Adults can and will choose their own path.
Has this ever happened to you? Whether it's someone you just don't have anything in common with or someone who is manipulative or even someone who is toxic, what is the best way to handle the situation. Is it wrong to not want to be around certain relatives?
Sure, more than once.
I always agree that it'd be good to see each other more often , but it never happens.
Sometimes an idea doesn't always pan out.
Guess I'm too busy to stop by, and so are they.
No way is it wrong if they're "toxic"...then it's becomes a matter of self preservation,
relative or not......it's all relative
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