My significant other and I are joining my family for an 11:00 dinner on Thanksgiving day. Having contact with my mom is a very anxiety-producing event for me. I try my best to mingle with those I enjoy being with (grandma, dad) and avoid Mom.

We have also received an invitation to my significant other's cousin's house for the holiday. My family lives about 80 miles from us, and the cousin's house is about half-way between us and my family.

My significant other's cousin has also been a source of anxiety of me for years. It began many years ago when his cousin decided it would be funny to hassle me about when I was going to have children. Some of you who know me well know that this is a sensitive issue with me. I have two feline children and will not be having a human ones. I have been sterilized by choice. This hassling me went on for quite a long time even though the cousin was told directly by others and me that this type of treatment was not appreciated. There have been several other instances as well where this cousin has deeply offended me.

I have managed to avoid the man quite well. One year ago, I unexpectedly ended up at the same family holiday gathering as he did. I was caught totally off guard and send into a panic.

My significant other wants to join his family as well as mine for Thanksgiving, but I'm not sure if I can go through something like this. I won't be caught off guard since I know the cousin will be there, but I already feel the anxiety of having to see him. We're trying to figure out how to spend the holiday, and I hope we are able to spend it together.