How to deal with difficult sister?

[cardoon]

Every Christmas/celebratory event my sister tries to pick a fight with me, imagining every statement is a slight on her/her family. Nothing could be further from the truth but she manages to spoil every occasion with her paranoia. How can i nip this in the bud and prevent a full blown rift/argument?

Tell her before the day that if there are any arguments you will be ordering her a taxi home, don't get into any personal discussions with her that she could misinterpret. Sit at the other end of the table, don't let her wind you up and if she starts getting silly then go home.

Love it cheesy - do you have personal experience?

Could you arrange to meet her and to find out what it's all about? Take a kindly approach and maybe she will open up to you. She doesn't sound very happy. Is she jealous of you?

Her behaviour is annoying and you don't need that crap. Tip toeing around her isn't very effective.

Just have it out straight. It will be interesting to see how it goes. Good luck sometimes it's hard to say these kind of things to family. It can be scary to rock the boat.

I have also been known to just switch off and stare out of the window

No she is not happy and yes she is jealous of me - mainly because I am easy going and get on well with her adult children and nieces and nephews.She never backs down or admits her faults so pointless having it out with her. I just want to stop her in her tracks and get on with the party.

A showdown isn't worth it. Practice the grey rock. Just ignore any barbed comments.