How To Strengthen Bonds At Family Get-Togethers

The holidays offer a time to reconnect with family members. For some, this is an occasion to look forward to, but others find it an apprehensive event that can foster tension. Thankfully, that does not have to be the case if you enter the season prepared. Here are several strategies on how to strengthen bonds at family get-togethers.

Tune Into Your Emotions

Before walking into a holiday event where you will reconnect with family members, tune into your emotions and think of how those in attendance make you feel. Accurate self-assessment and emotional awareness are essential in navigating interactions at family gatherings.

Play the Role of a Spectator

When navigating interactions, it is essential to remember that every exchange does not require a reaction. You may share genetics, but that does not mean you share the same views as your family members. To avoid conflict at family events, it may be best for you to simply play the role of a spectator and not engage in conversations that could lead to debates and arguments.

Take a Moment to Breathe

Of course, some family members are more boisterous than others. Inevitably, they will bring up a topic that could be controversial. If something is said that upsets you, taking a moment to breathe is one of the best stress management tips for family gatherings to ease any tension you may have. Taking a breath gives you a moment to pause and reconsider how you may respond.

Highlight the Good

Positive conversations during family gatherings are possible. Rather than focus on disagreements, keep the conversation centered only on successes, accomplishments, and what is going well in our lives. Regale family members with fond memories and funny anecdotes.

Be Generously Forgiving

The last thing you want is bad blood among blood relatives or any loved ones. There may be events in the past where relatives are still harboring ill feelings. Use these family gatherings during the holidays to be generously forgiving. Build bridges by focusing on moving forward in forgiveness and love.

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Improve Family Relationships

Family get-togethers should be a time of strengthening bonds, not a time to dread. The best way to improve family relationships during holiday family get-togethers is to create new memories as well as take an honest assessment of yourself. You are the only person you can change, so consider how others perceive you when you are interacting with them.

Remember that playing the role of spectator and taking a breath can go a long way. In addition, focus on the positive by remembering good times from the past and taking time to create new memories with your family.

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