How to Keep Family Members From Ruining Your Holidays

This the person who says whatever he wants disregarding everyone's feelings to the point of being disrespectful. How to stop it? Recognize it and don't put up with it! Don't ignore the noxious things they do and tell them if it continues, they'll be asked to leave.

You must set boundaries with this type of family member. Adult children can be notorious for this type of behavior and have ruined many a family gathering. Set boundaries as to what's allowed, and stick to them.

This person is opinionated, rigid in their thinking, unyielding, and seems to be seeking out confrontation. What to do? Get everyone else to agree that there are some topics that are off limits because they always bring out the worst in these "know-it-all" individuals.

I'm not making excuses for this type of person, but there could be a mental health issue here like Bipolar Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder. This is the person who simply leaves you emotionally and physically drained, infuriated, anxious, and/or troubled. You feel you have to be careful with what you say and how you say it. What to do? This is a tough one. Make sure you let this family member know that their behavior is not going to ruin your holiday. Tell them to leave letting them know they are not welcome if they can't get a grip on their abrasive behavior.

This is the person who brings up old family disagreements, mistakes, and slights and just can't let them go. There is no forgiving and forgetting. Family time is not therapy time. This person is looking for an audience and if you continue to enable them by engaging them in conversation, they will never stop. Don't allow your self to be drawn into the drama. Walking away will send the message.

Again, if this person is disrupting your family get together, have someone drive them home or kick them out of the house. If you're being threatened, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.