Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I would say "(Aunt Eunice, Cousin Buford, Uncle Irving) why on earth are you so incapable of maintaining a conversatoin? We are attempting to keep this funeral from progressing. Make an attempt for God's sake."
Why can't I just be honest and tell (mt Aunt and Cousins) what I think? Something like this:
"I have known all of you my entire life and we live only a few miles from each other but we are all strangers to each other. Every Holiday we get together at Grandma's house and everyone seems miserable. The conversation is dragging, and all of you look at your watches constantly, and you are always walking into the other room in the middle of the conversation with a look of frustration. Can't you guys make an effort to try harder and keep the conversation going? Can't you bring up some topics of conversation yourself and respond to my attempts at conversation with something more than a one word answer or sigh? This is painful! Grandma only has a few more years on the earth, can't we all get along and carry on a pleasant conversation for her sake until the lord sends her home?" Please!
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobmulk
I would say "(Aunt Eunice, Cousin Buford, Uncle Irving) why on earth are you so incapable of maintaining a conversatoin? We are attempting to keep this funeral from progressing. Make an attempt for God's sake."
Maybe if you only live a few miles from one another go for a random visit to their homes, just to hang out, talk and get to know each other beyond a holliday gathering so next time ALL of you are together at grandma's you may have a better base to work from. JMHO! Good luck!
I am sure they dislike my brother and I and our conversational style, but without a direct discussion (no passive aggressive approach) how can anyone change?
Quote:
Originally Posted by NY Annie
If the conversation is boring and lags, look in the mirror.
Have you tried bring alcohol to these get togethers? I find that this is a great way to loosen everyone up and really get to know one another haha. Really...try it! Its like this at my Dads, so I decided to bring a couple bottles of wine during Christmas, and sitting in the same room as my nut job step mother seemed great! LOL
From the sounds of it everyone needs a drink, I mean that in the most caring way!! Just seems like there is a lot of tension, have a couple drinks with them and break out a good game of Cranium!! Now that is a good time!
I was going to suggest alcohol and board games actually..lol. It always seems to work in those commercials for Pictionary.
If you know this is an annual event and they live just miles from your house, why don't you make some attempt during the year to stop over for a visit? Even if it's just to bring a gift basket and leave.
Older relatives love looking through old photographs and reminiscing the past. Make them talk. Ask about your ancestors or their children. Find topics that interest them whether it bores you or not. It's just for a few hours one day a year. Deal w/ it.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The direct approach!
