Yall I’m having some weird anxiety about this year’s family gathering. They’ve happened every other year since I was born, my dad’s side of the family (20-35 people) rent a location an hang out for an extended weekend.
The closer it gets the more anxious I’m getting this time.
It might be because of my sister and the whole “dont talk to me or my family” thing.
I think it’s also because they know the old me. Some of them will always think of me as the useless person I used to be.
I know I should show them the new me, but it creates a pressure that adds to the stress.
I am of the conviction that something being hard, tedious, or scary, shouldn’t keep you from doing it.
But I really just spiral into wanting to cry and scream from anxiety whenever I think about the gathering.
I find these quite difficult too… I always say I won’t go and end up going and it’s never as bad as my anxiety leads me to believe. I feel if it’s causing you stress, you don’t have to go. If there is anyone you want to meet, you can always meet them later??
Go with your head held high, and if someone insults you, ignore them. There are people there who will want to see you. In a larger gathering it’s easier to avoid certain people. Also, you can leave and be alone if the stress gets to high without being seen. Stick with the ones who love and accept you. And have some good food!
In these situations I used to go and jump through all the hoops and greetings, but since have sz I decided I’m not doing it anymore. I value my own time much more than wearing the mask of a normie. I’m 44 and don’t let anyone but my wife tell me what I should and shouldn’t do. Wish I had got the balls to drop out and chill from when I was 30. Do whatever makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. Any family negativity just skip it as with sz it’s not going to get any better in my opinion,
I agree with @anon55031185. At least go and check it out. Some people will like you, some won’t; hang around the people who like you and who are friendly. You don’t have to tell people you’re doing “fantastic” or “wonderful”. Just say you are doing “OK” or “alright”. That will take some of the pressure off.
Yeah, I go places I don’t necessarily want to go with my family. But they are nice people so their friends and aquaintances are usually nice too and don’t give me a hard time. Yesterday I went out to lunch with family and met a 24 year old woman who was there. She turned out to be really nice and except for a couple glitches we all had a good time. Then on the way home we stopped and my sisters and my sisters boyfriend went for a walk and out to eat and my sisters boyfriends daughter met them there. I was tired from all the socializing so I stayed in the car and slept. When they returned the daughter wanted to meet me and say hi so I met her and she was really nice. It reminded me of my attitude just several years ago. I don’t want to go places all the time but once I go, I am almost always glad I went.