Assignment 20 Danielle Dutton

How to Survive a Large Family Reunion

After attending a large Palm Sunday family gathering this weekend without having an older relative scold me about kids these days or being pulled into a political argument, I’d say I’m pretty okay at surviving these events, so here’s how to have my same success:

1. Before leaving the house, know what you’re getting into. What’s the event for? How many people will be there? Are you supposed to bring food, games, etc.? What kind of activities will take place? 
2. With all that in mind, a pep talk might not be a bad idea. Tell yourself that it’ll be fun and that you’ll enjoy seeing your family.
3. Believe your pep talk. You have to go into it with a positive outlook or you won’t enjoy it no matter what.
4. As much as your very conservative Great Aunt Peg might annoy you, don’t try to push her buttons. Obviously there are certain situations where a relative’s pet peeves might be unavoidable, but if Aunt Peg thinks tank tops are the spawn of Satan, just indulge her and wear a t-shirt for the one day you’ll see her that year.
5. Be engaged in what’s going on. If your cousins are playing cornhole in the backyard, go join the game. Even if you don’t think you’ll be any good, you might surprise yourself and have some fun in the process.
6. Be useful. If you see your aunt is struggling to move all the food to the table, offer to help. This is a big thing that’ll keep you from being lectured about “kids these days.” Trust me, it’s worth it.
7. Avoid all controversial conversations. Politics especially. If people look like they’re having a heated argument just steer clear. And if you can’t avoid the situation, just keep your mouth shut and it’ll be over sooner. Someone’s views might make you mad but arguing with them will make them mad too and then you’re left with a messy and tense dynamic for the rest of the get-together and that’s never fun.
8. The one exception to number 7 is arguments over sports. Those are fair game. They’re also a good way to change the subject away from politics. Personally my extended family is split 50/50 between UK fans and UofL fans and everyone jumps at the chance to defend their chosen team. Bringing up March Madness, the Super Bowl, or another big sporting event going on at the time is an easy way to either start a conversation or divert a current argument so it results in fewer hard feelings.
9. Keep trying to have fun. If one thing doesn’t quite work out for you, go try something else. Be outgoing and agreeable and you’ll find something you enjoy eventually. And then before you know the family event will go from being something you dreaded to something you’re glad you went to.