So the fam’s comin’ to town, and you’re just dyin’ to get
outta Dodge. Too bad Mom and Dad are set on you becoming BFFs with your cousin
Marge. And did they mention that they can’t wait to play a rousing game of
Monopoly with your uncles? Well don’t fake the chicken pox just yet, gals –
here are five ways to make it through this year’s reunion, and maybe have some
fun while you’re at it.
Babysitter NOT for
Hire
You’ve already played hide-and-go-seek a million times and changed
too many diapers to count. Nobody said anything about you acting as the babysitter
for this shindig. So speak up, sistah! Mention to your aunts and uncles that
you’d really like to get to know some of your older cousins, or spend some time
with your grandparents. Chances are, your aunts and uncles didn’t even realize
that you were playing mommy all day, and they’ll be happy to give you a break
after all your hard work.
Don’t Knock It ‘Til
Ya Try It
There’s always that one thing or person at a family reunion
that you’re dreading coming into contact with. It may be your aunt’s scary-looking
potato salad, your uncle who spits when he talks, or your cousin’s overwhelming
desire to teach you how to fish. But before you head for the hills, try the
food or activity, or talk with the family member that you’ve been avoiding. You
never know when you might find a new fave food, or discover that your uncle is
actually a really cool guy. And if your worst instincts were right, then at
least the next time you won’t feel bad about politely declining your family
members’ invitations.
That Awkward Moment
When…
The last time you saw your Aunt Mary, she had accidentally
walked in on you while you were in the bathroom. It was super awkward, and you
ended up avoiding her ‘til it was time for you and your ‘rents to say
goodbye. Well, it’s time to turn over a
new leaf, chica. Don’t let history get in the way of having good family
relationships—when ya see your relatives, smile and greet them all as if
nothing bad has ever happened. They’ll probably play along because they’ll
either have forgotten the oh-so-embarrassing episode, or they’ll just figure
that you’ve matured since then.
Clinginess Isn’t Just
Bad in a BF
Whether it’s a younger cousin who idolizes you or an uncle
who is fascinated by your love of tennis, there are some relatives who just
won’t take a hint and leave you alone.
But rather than saying something that you’ll regret later, keep your
cool. Be patient, and wait ‘til you can get a moment alone with one of your
parents to explain to them your dilemma. If they know that you’d prefer not to
hang out with the same family member for the entire reunion, they’ll probably
do something to help you out. They can either distract the person themselves
the next time you’re being followed, or, for example, they can speak to your
cousin’s mom about introducing your cousin to someone new the next day.
Game Time
You know that awkward stage where you’re too old for little
kid games like tag or dollhouse, but too young to sit and chat with the
grownups for hours on end? Well here’s how to skip right over it: head to the
grownup group and ask your aunts and uncles if anyone would be up for playing a
more organized sport, like baseball or soccer. Once ya have a few takers, you
can open up the game to your younger cousins, too. Just make sure that there’s
an even amount of good and bad players on each team, and don’t get too hung up
on the rules of the game. It’ll be a good way to mix up the age groups, and
it’ll keep anyone from feeling left out.
So chicas, what are
some family reunion sitches that you’ve had to deal with?
BY CARRIE RUPPERT ON 6/30/2012 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN family, sticky sibling sitches, problems with my parents, 411 on family feuds, how to talk to parents, travel, summer