To find"family stuff" really hard work?

[malificent7]

Not just bringing up kids but dealing with complicated dynamics such as blended step families, generational/ political differences with elderly parents, being a bit of a scapegoat etc. All exasperated by Christmas togetherness.

I know family life offers a safe haven for some and can be lovely but for an introvert like me it can be bloody hard work.

I have a blended family. It’s a pain in the cock. Love them but my god the inner workings and politics and assumptions and micro issues that need dealing with or processing constantly!

Are you in a relationship? If so, does your other half appreciate your need to recharge by being alone?

I'm an introvert, and dh totally gets that I need time alone each week to breathe. If I had a needy or useless husband I'd feel way more suffocated.

I’m not an introvert but give me a bunch of angry toddlers over a ‘family gathering’ any day. At least DD is being honest when she says my food is disgusting or that daddy isn’t a good driver - no passive aggressive shit going on there!

100% agree and can completely relate.

Who finds it easy?

I do have a dp...we are getting married this year. He's lovely and brings a lot to the table but there is his ex who is ok but threw a strop when she realised she wasn't coming to the wedding.
My dad married my best friends mum...so yeah...all in all a bit EastEnders!

The best I can do is take a step back and smile.

Sorry...my dad didn't marry my best friends mum...he is together with her. My mum is dead but she had issues. His new dp is nice but she annoys me .

Let’s just say I say a little prayer of thanks every day that I don’t have in laws. My ex’s mum lives 5,000 miles away and my partner’s mum in a different part of the British Isles thank fuck.

I know there is a lot of sexism in the perspectives on the MIL but from what I have seen an experienced of it it’s a uniquely negative relationship.

Elope.

In all seriousness, it will be so much easier. Just have a big party when you feel like telling them. They can either turn up and be civil or take umbridge.