How to deal with difficult guests so you have a happy holiday...
I have always been lucky to have fairly happy holidays. I have a small family that gets along more often than not. When I have had to work on the holidays it has not been too bad either. But I know, not everyone is so lucky. And the holidays can be stressful for many reasons which can bring out the worst in all of us.
So what to do? First, take care of yourself. Breathe, exercise and do your best to eat right. But also give yourself a bit of a break to say - Hey, it's the holiday - I can indulge a little or cut that walk a bit short so I can make up the spare room for guests.
Then, if you have a difficult guest, listen. Perhaps they are just venting, let them get it off their chest. Do not argue with them. If they have a really strong conviction about something, arguing will not change their mind. It will only serve to increase tension and frustration for all. See if you can change the subject or difuse the situation in some other way.
Remember they are human and may have stress or loss that you do not know about. Whatever is going on in their lives may be affecting how they are acting.
It is not your job to play referee over the holidays but sometimes stress takes over. Breathe and do your best to enjoy the season. Your guests will go home soon!
I hope you and your loved ones have the safest and happiest of holidays seasons!
So what to do? First, take care of yourself. Breathe, exercise and do your best to eat right. But also give yourself a bit of a break to say - Hey, it's the holiday - I can indulge a little or cut that walk a bit short so I can make up the spare room for guests.
Then, if you have a difficult guest, listen. Perhaps they are just venting, let them get it off their chest. Do not argue with them. If they have a really strong conviction about something, arguing will not change their mind. It will only serve to increase tension and frustration for all. See if you can change the subject or difuse the situation in some other way.
Remember they are human and may have stress or loss that you do not know about. Whatever is going on in their lives may be affecting how they are acting.
It is not your job to play referee over the holidays but sometimes stress takes over. Breathe and do your best to enjoy the season. Your guests will go home soon!
I hope you and your loved ones have the safest and happiest of holidays seasons!