How do you get through family events that you dread?

[Anonymous]

^^
The drink idea works even for juice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Make up a game in which you pay yourself. Ie. "Every time Aunt Myrtle mentions something she saw on Fox News, I get a dollar." Then take that money and buy yourself something, even if it is just some ice cream.

What if they watch moonbat news ?

[Anonymous]

Marijuana cookies

[Anonymous]

Why are you doing this for several long evenings? Spend ONE evening together and try to enjoy catching up with your brother.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just hang out with the kids when the adults are stressing me out.

This is what I do - I like to bring something special along for the kids to do that will keep me busy too - perler bead ornaments, a new lego set, so on).

I just ordered pot holder kits and plan to hide in the basement on Christmas Eve helping four 5-8 yo boys make a surprise for Grandma and will also take them to this awesome playground. Kids are great!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are you doing this for several long evenings? Spend ONE evening together and try to enjoy catching up with your brother.

+1

[Anonymous]

Show up late.

[Anonymous]

I've found I can fit almost a full bottle of wine in a colored water bottle- hubby and I share

[Anonymous]

I have a game on my Ipad that I ONLY play during holidays with my annoying family. I get so absorbed in it I can tune them out completely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a game on my Ipad that I ONLY play during holidays with my annoying family. I get so absorbed in it I can tune them out completely.

And it is.....?

[Anonymous]

Yep, use the kids, or chat with the one sane relative. If it is an event that bringing your camera and taking a ton of pics wouldn't look weird, do that. Basically, think of something you can DO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I conjugate verbs in French and Spanish in my head.

NP. I am totally going to use this idea. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Play with the kids, offer to cook something, offer to run an errand (I was going to say "make a beer run", but I guess that won't work for you...). Be anti social on my phone if an opportunity presents itself without being TOO rude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I make a mental list of all the things they normally do and say that piss me off and then I mentally play Bingo while I'm there. That way, I get excited to hear them ask when I'm going to get married or if I've gained some weight.

Also, I pretend I'm on a reality show and they're the ones cast in the role of villain while I'm beloved by all my fans.

This is the sad truth in DH's family. DH is the most gregarious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Make up a game in which you pay yourself. Ie. "Every time Aunt Myrtle mentions something she saw on Fox News, I get a dollar." Then take that money and buy yourself something, even if it is just some ice cream.

I mentally play a game called A$$h*le Bingo from law school: count every time the class sycophant says something to appease the teacher and when the number gets to 5, say "Bingo" in a sentence. I only play mentally at family gatherings, but who knows? Maybe you can try it IRL and Aunt Myrtle won't notice.

+1