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Give me tips to get through a family event

3 replies

Wristfolds · 30/05/2023 13:22

Got a bbq this weekend with the ILs as a big joint 60th/new baby/30th party. It’s an internal flight away so I can’t just send DH or duck out too early- although after past experience we have booked a hotel within walking distance of the venue so either one of us can pop out individually.

DH’s family are mainly lovely although his DS (DSIL) tells a lot of lies- many of which are inconsequential but it’s irritating (and she has lied about material stuff in past too). Recently we complimented a photo of her DD in a dress and she replied ‘thanks I made it’ when it’s very clearly from H&M for instance. It’s her I’m most dreading tbh. The rest of his family are a bit intense sometimes but tbh he finds this more annoying than me- his mum wants to know everything about his job including his boss’ name and where he gets lunch for instance, I think it’s quite sweet but drives him mad 😁

Anyway- tips please! How do you endure annoying family? I’m thinking about not drinking as it’s an all afternoon thing and I don’t want to stress-drink. We have a 18mo, a 9yo and an 11yo to handle too…

OP posts:
purplecorkheart · 30/05/2023 13:25

Will there be other kids there? How old will they be. Could you offer to take them to a nearby sweet shop and park/playground.

Or else go to somewhere like Tiger and pick up some bits for them to play with and you supervise/interact with the kids so you are less likely to have to make small talk with inlaws

Needmorelego · 30/05/2023 13:26

Smile and nod at anything the sister in law says with the odd "that's nice".
Take the baby for a walk in the pram (long walk) when it gets too much because "the baby is getting overwhelmed".

Wristfolds · 30/05/2023 13:31

Yep there’s 2 cousins, 7 & 9 or thereabouts (might have just had a 10th bday)

I might get some bubbles or water painting to supervise- this is a lovely idea thanks!

I’ll clamp a smile on too and practice some banal responses

OP posts:
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