How do you say "No, I don't want to do Christmas/Your kid's birthday party/Thanksgiving, etc.? I spend most of September and October building up tolerance for Thanksgiving and have none left for Christmas, but Christmas happens anyway. And it's kinda hard to tell my granddaughter that I don't want to attend my great grandchildren's birthday parties. Things like this are out of "No, I don't want to." territory, unfortunately.They act like my love is exactly commensurate with how many of these events I attend, and they have no patience for my " problem " with socializing. So I spend more of my time mentally preparing for this stuff than I do enjoying what solitude I do have, because the tornado that is my family is going to hit on those days whether I'm ready or not. So an unscheduled event throws me straight into panic mode, lol.
Dang, idk. Does it help if you go to the parties, say hi and happy birthday to everyone, but then leave after like an hour? I think it's completely understandable to not have the energy to stay for the whole event.
That would be great if my partner wasn't the main tornado, lol. I spend days walking on eggshells and begging for forgiveness if I ever get up the nerve to ask when we might be able to leave. After nearly 30 years, I have learned to just endure it until he finally decides to go.🤷♂️ That's mainly why it takes so much out of me. Thanks for understanding and being kind. It means a lot. ❤️
24
u/snowtater 2d ago
The word is "no", I don't want to do that