Hello all. For those who aren't aware, the Canadian version of Thanksgiving is coming up this weekend. So here's the deal: I'll be travelling to my parents' place, which is about 5 hours away. It also happens to be in the same city where my wife lives (for those who don't know, I had to move for grad school before my wife could make arrangements to change jobs...while I see her often enough, it is very hard).

Now, my two siblings happen to live nearby, and are also heading to the same place. The thing is that, I like travelling on my own on the bus...I like the anonymity, the fact I can set my own schedule, I can read or get work done, and I just don't enjoy being in cars. But my parents keep trying to get me to get a ride with one of my siblings, and I have to keep coming up with convoluted reasons as to why that is not possible. I know it might have easier to come clean instead of making up stories, but I think we all know how complicated things get with family. Plus I didn't think that they would keep coming at me about this...I figured one excuse would do the trick (at least I know better now).

The stress of this is just getting to be ridiculous. I have so many things going on right now that actually should be causing me stress, but this is something that should be calming (having some time off with family, etc.) I'm stunned that the one things that should be easy on my agenda is giving me the most anxiety.

It's getting to the point where if they nag me anymore, I swear I'm going to threaten a boycott. I shouldn't have to deal with these politics, and I don't deserve to.

Anyway, just wanted to vent, and was wondering if anyone had any advice, or could at least empathize with similar stories of family holiday mayhem.