Do you sometimes feel you are enemies with your extended family, or could they be? It might conflict with some people when they find themselves in challenging relationships with their in-laws. These feelings are completely normal and easier to cope with when you understand them. Everyone could have a challenging time integrating with their extended family in various ways. Yet, there is nothing to fear, as there are several things you can do to improve how you interact with your family members.
In this guide, you’ll learn what you should do when you feel stressed about your extended family relationships so that you can move on in peace.
Don’t Take Things Personally
It’s difficult to navigate tricky relationships with extended family. When we feel their criticism and unkindness, it’s easy to take things too personally. So, it is important to remember that families are complex systems that can get complicated, so try to observe the situation objectively and be patient. Our extended family is out of our control; we can only control ourselves, so focus on being mindful of your own actions. Extend grace to those around you, even if they are not being kind. Also, don’t forget to be kind and patient with yourself, as you may not control the events of others.
Listen More Than You Talk
It is understandable that sometimes you want to explain your position, but you must remember to take the time to be an active listener. Ask questions to show that you understand and show your interest in the topic at hand. Taking the time to understand the issue from all angles will allow you to be more prepared when it comes time to voice your opinion.
Remember that everyone has a different point of view, and it is important to respect this. Being mindful of your attitude and understanding the value of mutual listening can be the first steps toward disagreement resolution. You don’t need to agree to respect someone’s viewpoint, but sometimes a simple “I understand’ and a gesture of understanding can go a long way.
Communicate What You Think Clearly
Express what you need or want directly without resorting to passive aggression. This allows your extended family to understand your feelings and intentions better. Remember to be respectful and compassionate when communicating. Speak from your truth with honor and respect for the other person’s truth, and you will go a long way in avoiding conflict. Be honest about your feelings. Be authentic and unapologetic about disagreements, and be willing to listen to and try to understand the other person’s point of view. Ultimately, it’s important to keep communication open and honest when dealing with extended family.
Express Your Emotions Appropriately
It is important to remember to be aware of the emotions we are feeling, such as sadness, frustration, or anger, and communicate these emotions to our extended family in a mindful, respectful manner. We can use phrases such as “I feel _____ when _____ happens” or “I would like _____” to express our feelings and needs respectfully. We can also express our point of view, again using respectful language and phrasing. It can also be helpful to find common ground with our extended family and focus on shared interests and values that bring us together. By doing so, we can learn to better articulate our feelings and create stronger relationships with our extended family.
Grandparent Conflicts Require Extra Care
Conflicts with grandparents can be really tough because of the big age difference and different views they might have. It’s important to be extra patient and try to understand where they’re coming from. But it’s also okay to stick up for yourself and set boundaries when needed. Talking openly and respectfully is key, even if you can’t solve every problem right away. If you’re having a really hard time with ongoing conflicts, one option could be to consider having your grandparents move into a senior living community, like those offered by Clover Group Inc. Sometimes, a change of scenery and the extra support available at these places can help improve family relationships.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
People can often look to their extended family for help and guidance through difficult times. It can often be beneficial to talk openly with family members about your concerns and seek their advice. For example, if you are looking after an elderly family member, you may want to talk with your family about how you can best do that, or when it would be time to look up “assisted living near me” facilities so they can get the right care that you may not be able to provide alone. It is important to remember to be respectful of family members and ask for help when needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if that is what it takes to make peace. Family members can be a great source of support and understanding during tough times, however, sometimes the help of professionals is required. In some cases, services like At Home Senior Care can provide the extra assistance needed to support elderly relatives in a familiar setting. Do not be afraid to ask for this help, as it is likely to improve your overall relationship with your family members. It is also important to remember to engage your extended family in healthy activities and conversations so that we can avoid conflicts.
Do This to Resolve Conflict With Your Extended Family
When struggling with family members, always remember to Don’t take things personally. It’s easy to overreact to a situation and say something you may later regret. When communicating with difficult family members, it helps to listen more and always understand the issue. Try to figure out if there are underlying causes to the issue and consider seeing a therapist or mediator if needed. It may be beneficial to have someone impartial to help things move along.
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