How To Deal With: Family Stress

Living with a tough, stubborn person? The sound of their voice make you want to smash sculls, punch babies, or get in a bar fight? Do you envision bad things happening to this special person? Well, you are not alone. Sadly, everyone has that one person who ruins their joy, who decimates their happiness, who spits in the face of your dreams. What's worse? Some people get more than one in life, and other enjoy being those people.

Before I settled back to my home, I had a fine day. The weather was brilliant, the heat was gorgeous, and I had great news. I laid down on the couch, enjoying the love of my furry devils (a.k.a. dogs), but then I heard it. That car door slam. The front door slamming minutes after. The sucking in of mucus, coughing, burping, and farting as he stomped around the house. Then the smell plumed in the air. The cigar smoke, faintly hiding the rank odor of death and un-minty breath, leaving a trail as he sulked through the house. Making underhanded, snide remarks under his breath, and sometimes aloud pretending nothing is wrong until the knife twists in your soul, as he smiles.

There will always be a person who loves to knock you back, with every step you take forward. Their voice, just hissing in the back of your head every time you doubt yourself. Punch that voice in the face. Refuse to bow to that kind of soul-sucking self-hatred. Prove them wrong, by being happy. Yes, easier said than done. I admit it, family is difficult to run away from. I want them in my life, yet at the same time, I would love a fighting free zone and a stress-headache free life.

What about you, my lovelies? Anyone else feel like family can be a deterrent for self-esteem and/or life goals? I send you all hugs, and wish you luck. I wish I could say that it gets better with time, but honestly it just gets better with distance.

Adivce for the night? As of now....headphones, music, and an exit strategy. Have a playlist of music that can calm you, distract you, and/or revitalize you. Have noise canceling headphones, the kind that allow you to tune the whole world out. Get in your car, get on your bike, go do something healthy, but get the hell out of there! Don't stay there, don't force yourself through it. It won't help you, it will only make them happy. And as I have said before, DON'T LET THE FUCKERS WIN!!!

(Little side note: Any of my family members reading this? Sorry but I am not taking this down. Be mad all you want. Tattle on me to whomever you wish. But ask yourself one thing as you do that, okay? Are you a person who enjoys causing stressful situations? Cause in my experience...you might be)