Toxic family behaviours during the holidays
From making condescending remarks about our life to undermining us, here are a few toxic family traits that can repeat during the holidays.
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When we are brought up in dysfunctional families, going back home to meet relatives can be a distressing thing to do, especially during the holiday season. "During the festive season, the saying - blood is thicker than water - often emphasises family bonds amid the joy of Christmas. However, this sentiment doesn’t dismiss the layers of dysfunction that can exist within families. It’s important to acknowledge that while this time signifies togetherness, it doesn’t overshadow the complexities and potential toxicity within familial relationships," wrote Therapist Lalitaa Suglani. Here are a few toxic family patterns often repeated during the holidays.(Unsplash)
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Family members can often bring up past experiences that we are not comfortable with, with the intention of shaming us. (Unsplash)
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Making condescending remarks about our weight, marital status, career choice and lifestyle can be a way of showing us down in front of others. (Unsplash)
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Conflicts and chaos are elements in a dysfunctional home and that does not stop even during the holidays. Repetitive conflicts during the festivities can make us anxious. (Unsplash)
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