Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP) going to family reunions: it can be quite a challenge. Like weddings. But usually, they come in series, like organising your birthday or during the Christmas holidays. Which doesn't ease things, because sometimes one has to choose which family to pay a visit. And making difficult choices isn't one of HSPs' talents.
After the stress of arriving on time, many noisy kids welcome you. Which can be quite overwhelming. Just like the crowd, especially if it's inside, you're supposed to greet one by one. Even those you like less, you feel obliged to greet with some smalltalk and maybe some gossip. Can be awful to many HSPs.
Add to that all the invisible cues. The details HSPs notice. How much effort some have put into appearing decent. The stress of the host. Maybe some old tensions one can feel. And those that felt obliged to come, but would have given anything to spend the time at home alone. Like some brothers and sisters-in-law. Or maybe yourself.
One can easily get upset by many aspects, like the terribly chaotic unwrapping of presents. But how does an HSP survive these gatherings? Here's a few tips:
1. Plan well.
Arrive a bit too early. Or a bit too late. So you can enjoy the less crowded moments. Arriving early will oblige other to say hello to you, instead of the other way around.
2. Make yourself useful
Having a purpose will relieve you of the obligatory small talk. Ask the host in advance if you can help in the kitchen - it's a quiet place. Or collect the wrapping papers. Take your time to do so, especially when you're in a quiet area of the party.
3. Take breaks
Whether you explore the garden on your own, or spend some time alone in the bathroom, it doesn't matter so much. Make a habit of it, especially when most guests are there. Alternatively, avoid the middle of the crowd by all costs. Stay on the side of it.
4. Own transport
Having your own means of transport is a key to other gatherings as well. You can leave when you want. And you can even take breaks in your car if you want to. Try to avoid crowded transport.
5. Find other HSPs
The HSP trait is hereditary, meaning there's a good chance other HSPs will be there as well. Find a quiet spot to talk with them - you'll both particularly enjoy 'deep' talks. Also, you might enjoy playing with HSP children.
6. Avoid alcohol
It will numb your feelings down for a while, but they'll hit you when you're sober.
What's your family reunion HSP tip? Please comment.
After the stress of arriving on time, many noisy kids welcome you. Which can be quite overwhelming. Just like the crowd, especially if it's inside, you're supposed to greet one by one. Even those you like less, you feel obliged to greet with some smalltalk and maybe some gossip. Can be awful to many HSPs.
Add to that all the invisible cues. The details HSPs notice. How much effort some have put into appearing decent. The stress of the host. Maybe some old tensions one can feel. And those that felt obliged to come, but would have given anything to spend the time at home alone. Like some brothers and sisters-in-law. Or maybe yourself.
One can easily get upset by many aspects, like the terribly chaotic unwrapping of presents. But how does an HSP survive these gatherings? Here's a few tips:
1. Plan well.
Arrive a bit too early. Or a bit too late. So you can enjoy the less crowded moments. Arriving early will oblige other to say hello to you, instead of the other way around.
2. Make yourself useful
Having a purpose will relieve you of the obligatory small talk. Ask the host in advance if you can help in the kitchen - it's a quiet place. Or collect the wrapping papers. Take your time to do so, especially when you're in a quiet area of the party.
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| Family reunions: plan well! (c) |
Whether you explore the garden on your own, or spend some time alone in the bathroom, it doesn't matter so much. Make a habit of it, especially when most guests are there. Alternatively, avoid the middle of the crowd by all costs. Stay on the side of it.
4. Own transport
Having your own means of transport is a key to other gatherings as well. You can leave when you want. And you can even take breaks in your car if you want to. Try to avoid crowded transport.
5. Find other HSPs
The HSP trait is hereditary, meaning there's a good chance other HSPs will be there as well. Find a quiet spot to talk with them - you'll both particularly enjoy 'deep' talks. Also, you might enjoy playing with HSP children.
6. Avoid alcohol
It will numb your feelings down for a while, but they'll hit you when you're sober.
What's your family reunion HSP tip? Please comment.
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