Crew - big safe hugs!!! For us, we tend to have to rely on our protector alter Elaine to help us make it through these types of encounters. I know it may not be a healthy long term solution, but in our case - it is better than splitting into a negative alter and having things come back to haunt us.

We also will make sure we take alot of breaks from others - like go outside to just take in some fresh air. Or we have a list of jokes in our mind and use them to change the subject when it gets rough :-)