Just be Yourself

Don’t be who you think they want you to be

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

One of the biggest challenges many people face this time of year is choosing the correct face to wear in front of family.

Either you need to be apolitical to avoid arguing with a Trump supporter; or you need to steer clear of anything having to do with religion and what you practice; or any talk of relationships, children, and the like has to be artfully dodged; any and all discussions about finances and jobs must be tiptoed around.

Why?

· In order to create or maintain peace between family members.

· To avoid making a bad impression.

· Because you don’t want to fight with anyone during a family gathering.

· To not upset your parents/siblings/extended family.

· So that you don’t upset the status quo.

· In order to avoid uncomfortable discussions, arguments, or being chewed out.

· Any combination of — or — all of the above.

Frequently, this is done in order to lessen everyone else’s stress. Unfortunately, it just increases your own. This is because being someone you are not, for the sake of other people, is cumbersome, disingenuous, uncomfortable, and can be mentally, physically, and…