"This is a tough situation. No one likes to be uncomfortable during what should feel like a relaxing vacation. But going into the week prepared is a great idea. First, you'll want to decide what standing up for yourself when your brother-in-law makes comments you disagree with-or even comments that are hurtful-means to you. Do you want to push back on what he says, feeling confident to start a discussion? Or do you want to feel comfortable enough ignoring him?"
"I am traveling to my parents' house (nine hours away) for the week after Christmas. I enjoy visiting my parents, but I am dreading the several days that my sister and her family will be there. My religious and political views are wildly different than the rest of the family. Dear Tired of Pretending It's All OK, My brother-in-law is an anti-vaccine, anti-science jerk. My sister goes along with whatever he says. My oldest nibling has obvious ADHD that they"
Travel plans include a week at parents' house after Christmas where a sibling's family will also stay, creating stress due to stark religious and political differences. The brother-in-law rejects vaccines and science, and the oldest nibling shows apparent ADHD without assessment or support. The writer feels overwhelmed, marginalized, and reluctant to voice controversial views during chaotic, crowded gatherings. The advised approach is to prepare before arrival and define what standing up means personally: whether to engage and push back or to disengage and ignore. The decision should align with personal boundaries and a plan for small, manageable acts of self-advocacy.
Read at Slate Magazine
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