KnotMyProblem: Oh, shush, Gwynn
KnotMyProblem: I’m pretty sure you invited this into your life that day at TD’s wedding. If you didn’t want me to harp on it for the rest of my life, you should’ve kept your punches to yourself
Gwynning: PLA
KnotMyProblem: Do you guys see how overbearing he’s being right now? He’s trying to threaten me into silence by dangling my phobia in front of my face
GlitterDoctor: Situations like these are why Christmas popcorn strings are essential. When family drama inevitably occurs, the popcorn’s already right there, strung throughout the house. It couldn’t be more perfect
TeenDad2: Knot, be nice!!
KnotMyProblem: ME???
KnotMyProblem: I’m pretty sure last time I checked,Iwas the one getting punched in the face
Gwynning: CEN
KnotMyProblem: Okay, okay
KnotMyProblem: I’ll be nice
KnotMyProblem: To Gwynn’s credit, he’s a nice guy if you can make it past his knuckles. As for real overbearing in-laws, try to limit the time you spend with them if you can—talk with your partner about how you feel, and try to negotiate an amount of time you can stick around while feeling sane, whether you’re driving to visit for a few days or just sticking around until dinner
GlitterDoctor: Something else to consider is coming up with a codeword or phrase you can use to alert your partner that you can’t take it anymore and need to step out. Something that’s not too suspicious, but that wouldn’t come up in casual conversation. Maybe make up a friend, and when you’re feeling like you’ve reached wit’s end, check your phone and tell your partner that fictional friend is calling, and you’ve gotta step outside or into another room to take the call
GlitterDoctor: It’s important you give yourself space and alone time, especially if you don’t get along well with the people you’re with
GlitterDoctor: If you need to, lock yourself in the bathroom for a while, or head out to the car and cool down inside
TeenDad2: :eyes emoji:
GlitterDoctor: TD, you keep your looking-ass eyes to yourself. Just because I have exit strategies doesn’t mean I regularly use them. And if Idoneed to use them and you come looking for me, it’s not gonna end well
TeenDad2: I won’t!
TeenDad2: It’s just interesting, is all
TeenDad2: It reminds me of getting away from the kids when I need a second to cool down :laughing until crying emoji:
GlitterDoctor: It’s EXACTLY like that, except more awful, because grown adults should be able to behave themselves and treat other grown adults with respect
Gwynning: Ah, the holidays—bringing out the best and worst in everyone
LoveHarley: what abt u, gwynn?
LoveHarley: do u have any tips on how to deal with overbearing in-laws?
Gwynning: Oh, sure
Gwynning: I’ve been practicing my technique over the last several years without knowing it
KnotMyProblem: GWYNN, SO HELP ME
Gwynning: You may not always get along with your in-laws, but it helps to remember that they’re people, too—that they have lives and jobs and hopes and dreams. That they feel. That they’ve been through highs and lows you know nothing about, and maybe never will
Gwynning: So take some time to learn about them. Ask them about themselves—about a facet of their lives when they were younger, or a fond memory they have about your common relative. If you open the floor to discussion, a lot of the time you’ll get people who are otherwise closed off to open up to you, and even if they’re still an issue after, maybe you’ll be able to see where they’re coming from, and why they are the way they are
KnotMyProblem: That’s… not what I was expecting
