Silent Night

Christmas is a magical time for many of us. It's a time for many of us to come together and celebrate the year, making new memories, sharing gifts and spreading joy. For some, this silent night is not where we sleep in heavenly peace. It can be a dreadful time of year when we have to meet and greet family members we would rather not interact with.

During the holidays, some of us are obliged to interact with family members who have left us with haunting memories of abuse.

Many people have shared their stories of enduring childhood abuse from relatives whom they once trusted as children. Now, as adults, they feel obligated to interact with these family members who have only left them with life-long memories of confusion, pain and scars of feeling violated.

Interacting with family members who have abused you as a child can be a difficult and emotional experience, especially during the holiday season. It is crucial to prioritize your own well-being and have strategies to cope with these situations. Here are a few suggestions for how to navigate interacting with family members who have left you with unpleasant memories during your childhood.

Set Boundaries

Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries with family members who have abused you is critical. This may involve setting limits on how much time you spend with them or setting specific rules for how you will interact with them. For example, you may decide that you are only comfortable speaking with the family member in a public setting or with someone else present.

Seek Support

Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and professionals who can offer you the emotional and practical support you need. This can include therapy, support groups, and other resources that can help you work through your feelings and experiences. Having a trusted friend or loved one available to talk to during and after your interactions with the family member who abused you can also be helpful.

Plan Ahead

Consider what you are comfortable with and what you are not comfortable with before interacting with the family member whom you feel uncomfortable with. Having a plan in place can help you feel more prepared and in control of the situation. This may include identifying a support person to be with you during the interaction or developing a script of what you want to say beforehand.

Use Self-Care Strategies

Taking care of yourself is essential, especially when interacting with family members who have caused you harm. Engage in activities that help you feel grounded and safe, such as meditation, exercise, or spending time with supportive friends and loved ones. Make sure to take breaks and permit yourself to take time for yourself if needed.

Remember that it is okay to say no: It is crucial to prioritize your own well-being and to do what is best for you. If you feel uncomfortable interacting with a family member who has abused you, it is okay to say no and set limits on your interactions with them. It is important to remember that you have a right to your own feelings and boundaries and that it is okay to prioritize your own well-being.

Managing interactions with family members who have abused you as a child can be challenging, but it is important to remember that you are not alone and that resources and support are available to help you navigate these situations. It is okay to take the time to heal and do what is best for you.