Are You Ready for the Family Reunion?

When you hear family reunion, do you jump for joy or run for the hills? For lots of people, family gatherings are tedious or even stressful. With bland food and bad jokes, you may be wondering how you're going to make it.

If this isn't your idea of a vacation, you're not alone. We go in thinking I can do this only to find that you're pulling your hair out.

You can't control what others say or do. Here's what you can control: your attitude, reactions and actions. But it takes planning and practice.

Before you leave:
1. think what sleeping arrangements will make you happiest.
2. play out different predictable scenarios and how you will respond.
3. reflect on why you are going and what your hopes are.

You may want to bring a journal so you can react and reflect on paper and respond in person. And most of all...be flexible. You can plan ‘til you're blue in the face, but for the most part you'll have to go with the flow and you might as well do so with an easeful, genuine smile.