Two sides: One family animated and talkative, another family closed and depressed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I come from a very reserved WASPy household. We do not have feelings. We do not make a scene. We are not demonstrative.

My husband's family is warm and loud and hugging and laughing hysterically.

I have .... unclenched, somewhat.

Now THIS is helpful, thank you! Thank you especially for pinpointing the differences. How long did it take and what got you to this point? Is it hopeless?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This isn't about extroversion or introversion. I agree with OPs last point - why force us all to get together when it's so painful? There was no 'catching up' or 'bonding' at our Christmas gathering. Just white-knuckling it for three days waiting for the timer to be up. Every night DH and I would go to be saying "only 70 hours to go!"

Do the other family members not see how bad this is? Do they just not know what a fun holiday looks like?

OP here. I think you nailed it. I think any semblance of fun might be their death. Other PP is right. Maybe it is not extrovert vs. introvert, at all. Maybe I was trying to be too nice by giving their behavior a socially acceptable label. Maybe I have to stop making excuses for them. I am thinking of showing up next year wearing my headphones. Too much?