Posts tagged: family
When You're the Adult Child Who Still Gets Grabbed
Growing up doesn't automatically end the family patterns around touch that started when you were small. Here's what it takes to actually change them.
The Generational Gap: Why Different Rules Seem to Apply
Older relatives and colleagues operate from assumptions about touch that were socialized differently. Understanding why doesn't make the contact okay, but it does affect what you can expect from a conversation.
The Holiday Gathering and the Relatives Who Don't Take No for an Answer
Every year, same relatives, same problem. How to prepare for it, handle it in the moment, and not spend the whole drive home regretting what you didn't say.
The Relative Who Always Touches Your Face or Hair
This specific kind of unwanted contact reads as affection to the person doing it. It doesn't always land that way. What to say to someone who genuinely means well.
The Family Friend Your Child Has Already Said No To
Not a relative, not a stranger. The family friend who's around often enough to matter and still doesn't get it. What to do when the situation requires more than hope.
What to Say to the Relative Who Was Hurt by Your Child's No
Your kid said they didn't want a hug. The relative is now sulking. How to handle their feelings without reversing the message you just sent your child.
What to Tell Your Child Before a Family Gathering
A calm conversation in the car on the way there is worth more than any intervention after the fact. Here's what that conversation actually looks like.