Since my surgery my tolerance for stressful situations is limited.

Tomorrow our plan is to travel a bit to my wife's side of the family for the day. These are people that over the years my relationship with them has been sweet & sour. I'm thinking of sparing them and myself the awkwardness and staying home. Wife and kids will go and have a great time but my wife wants me to come.

Do I have an obligation to go? Like myself, I'm sure they will be relieved they don't have to endure a conversation with each other.

Why do people force each other on each other? Because of tradition?

Am I being a baby, should I suck it up because its the season to set aside differences and come together in sweet bliss and harmony? Maybe we can sing Christmas carols?

obligation to go? they will be relieved

@

if you didn't enjoy their company, that is one thing

maybe you should suck it up and go

but if "they" also would rather your absence, i wouldn't go

enjoy a quiet day at home, and they will do the same

your wife knows all feelings from everyone

hopefully she'll eventually understand

she might not be thrilled for awhile though

but i can tell she is also a sweetie - and "hopefully" will accept your wishes

i don't understand how any one couldn't love a sweetie pie like you

oh well - i know you are great

if you go - be strong and endure

its only one day

if you stay home......

relax, put your feet up, and have a few drinks

Water of course

hope you have enjoyed your thanksgiving

didn't eat too much

you are doing great with your weight loss!!!

84 lbs down

wow thats great!!!

keep up the good work

good luck

congrats

kathy

Edited November 27, 201411 yr by proudgrammy

I just got back from my brother's house. Other than Thanksgiving day and Christmas day, we don't ever talk or interact - not from any problems between us, we just have different lives.

He invitied me, but I feel guilty for going over and eating his food because of the effort he went to and the money he spent. And I feel like a impositon or mooch because I don't consider us friends and I never do anything for him.

BUT, he does it because he loves to cook and share and loves family get togethers, so I hope by participating that he is happy. I try to do my part by helping clean-up and getting him to talk about how he cooked this or that and making him the focus of attention. He seemed to have a good time and liked that attention. But if it were up to me, I'd just stay at home and answer questions on Baritatirc Pal.

Lol I think you answered that on your own. Do what makes you and mostly your WIFE happy because you may be able to avoid the wife's side of the family but good luck avoiding the wife!! Ha!!!

@joatsaint. Stay home and answer questions on BP........funny!

To be in society or to be antisocial?

That is the question.

The answer is: Be in society.

Accommodating a few people whom those who love us also love is not the most difficult thing in the world.

To do otherwise is just weird.