Hi Tucker,

I don't think anyone can trigger us as much as our families. You're not wrong for having the feelings, however, as Direction so aptly put it, you need to state your boundaries and do the best you can.

I skipped my family reunion this year, but I make sure I go see my Mom every Sunday. I had to prioritize. Also, to get my Mom to understand my boundaries, I explained them several times and when she would cross the line in conversation I would say, "I've got to go Mom. I'm not going to talk about that." After so long, she got the hang of it.

Setting boundaries with family is sometimes difficult and sometimes takes time. If you can keep the conversations on a light note, great. If not, say, "Well, it's time to go now." or some such and get in your car and leave.

I hope this makes sense.

I wish you the very best,

January