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How to Navigate the Holidays When You’re Hosting Someone You Don’t Get Along With
The holidays are often a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But what happens when one of the guests you’re hosting happens to be someone you don’t particularly get along with? Maybe they’re like that in-law of yours who always “accidentally” insults your cooking, or a cousin who treats Monopoly like a blood sport. Either way, the stress of hosting them can be as overwhelming as untangling holiday lights — except, unlike those lights, you can’t just throw them in the trash when you’re done!
But with a few thoughtful strategies, you can navigate these tricky waters gracefully while preserving your peace of mind. Here’s how to make it through the holidays with your sanity intact — and maybe even enjoy yourself along the way.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings and Plan Ahead
It’s okay to admit that you’re feeling stressed about hosting someone you don’t enjoy being around. Pretending you’re fine when you’re not can make the situation worse. Instead, take some time to identify what triggers your discomfort and think about ways to address it beforehand. For example:
- Are you worried about their behavior? Decide in advance how you’ll handle uncomfortable moments. Consider rehearsing in front of a mirror…