The article addresses a reader's concerns about their in-laws' passive-aggressive communication style, particularly in light of a family vacation they're hosting. The columnist suggests that navigating this situation can be achieved by interpreting their statements literally and responding with a positive demeanor. The reader's intention to keep the peace for her husband's sake is acknowledged, emphasizing that it’s possible to engage with difficult relatives while minimizing stress during the trip.
I've found that the only way to effectively communicate with people who refuse to be honest and direct about their feelings is to take everything they say as gospel truth.
To survive this trip, approach your in-laws with a blend of willful obtuseness and a good attitude, treating their passive-aggressive communication as genuine.
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