We've put of the inevitable for long enough. This weekend we are headed to my hometown to see family. I did meet my newest nephew about a month ago, but this will be my first time with the whole crew. My parents, all three of my sisters, and all three of their families. The closer that we get to it, the more I'm dreading it. I keep telling myself that it won't be as bad as I'm imagining it.
The fact of the matter is that I'm different. I'll always be different. My sisters all have kids. I don't. Maybe someday I'll get used to it.
Hugs! Your imagination will be focusing on the worst case scenarios - if you're anything like me. I know it won't be easy, Burt you'll get through it. Have you thought of having a secret sign prearranged with your husband? If it gets too much for you, he can dive in and change the subject or drag you out for a walk or get you away somehow, just to give you time to take a breath and regain your equilibrium.
ReplyDeleteAnd remember, once it's over you'll never have to have that particular first again. And that will be an enormous relief. Sending love and best wishes.
The funny thing is that I actually thought of you when I was writing that it probably won't be as bad as I am imagining it to be. Because you've told me this so many times. :)
DeleteAnd getting this particular first out of the way is a great way to think about it!
I have no nieces/nephews on my side, so I can only imagine where your thoughts are going.
ReplyDeleteI frequently worked myself into a tizzy before actually arriving at family gatherings so by the time they came and went it wasn’t as bad as I’d expected.
I like Mali’s idea about a secret sign. Sounds like a good idea to have a timeout plan if you need it.
You’ll be in my thoughts this weekend.
Thanks, K! Hoping this won't be as bad as anticipated either!
DeleteSeconding what Mali suggested. Maybe even prearrange activities to give you a break. You can always cancel them, but those breaks will help.
ReplyDeleteMay the worst case scenario solely be in your imagination.
I definitely think having a sign is a great idea. Prearranging some activities is a great idea too!
DeleteGood luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm in a very similar boat to you (siblings and siblings-in-law having constant pregnancies for the last 3 years), and being of "reproductive age". The first Christmas with the new kids I brought knitting and cross stitch supplies. Then when it got too much, I retreated to a quiet corner and crafted - it worked - because for some reason people thought that knitting/cross stitch takes a lot of brain power and didn't even stop by for a chat.
I hope it isn't as bad as you think. I hope they don't complain about how difficult kids are (that's the one that gets to me).
If your family's the drinking kind, wine helps ;)
So sorry that you have to go through this too! It sucks! I might have to re-learn knitting again, because that seems like a great strategy! And unfortunately my family isn't big drinkers. :(
DeleteI use insomnia and exhaustion as a reason / excuse to escape from difficult situations, e.g. explaining why I'm quiet or looking miserable (if asked for an explanation), going upstairs for a nap, falling asleep on the sofa or pretending to (I am always so tired that the latter often turns into the former). I find that people are very sympathetic towards insomnia. Anyway, hope your weekend is going well.
ReplyDeleteNaomi M x
Oddly enough I did sneak away for a nap on Saturday afternoon, but I didn't even bother to say where I was going or explain my absence once I woke up.
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