84: How To Deal With Loves Ones You Don't Love

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart but the very next day you gave it away, this year to save me from tears, I’m listening to the new Dorothy and the Dealer podcast.Yes, it’s that time again folks - when Mitch and Mills put on their Santa hats and dive into the world of festive family fun. Now, it might be the favourite time of year for some of us (Ummm… MITCH), but for others dealing with loved ones you don’t really love can be, well, HARD.It’s important to remember a few simple tips to keep your calm during the holiday season and stop tempers from flaring up at the dinner table.- Set boundaries. If you don’t want to discuss a topic, let your family member know that it is off-limits.- Take time for yourself. Give yourself the morning for some peace and quiet, before heading around to Christmas lunch. - Create space for yourself when things get hairy. Go walk the dog or head outside for some backyard cricket with the kids. - Be mindful. Just because people are teachers or doctors in their everyday life - it does not mean they are trying to lecture you. Listen with an open heart and mind.But what about those among us that don’t even have the option to see friends and family because of lockdowns? Try finding connections in new ways. In understanding and appreciating that you don’t have to hold someone or look them in the eye to tell them you love them. In using technology to bridge the distance between you all. Or it could just be in realising the ones you love are always around you - just in a different way, shape, or form.Let us know if you’ll be implementing any of these ideas this Christmas!