Psychologist Labkovsky explained how to survive the weekend with toxic relatives

During long vacations, close contact with relatives is inevitable, but communication with some of them does not always make you feel good at heart. Psychologist Mikhail Labkovsky in his Telegram channel told how to behave with toxic loved ones who diligently piss you off.

First of all, the psychologist advises, you need to please yourself.

“First, if you spend a lot of time with loved ones, try to provide yourself with at least minimal personal space and time,” he said. Do you like walking alone? Go for a walk, politely refusing company. Don’t want to wait until everyone wakes up to have breakfast? Do not wait. Stick to your routine and don’t give up on what makes you happy.”

Don’t be afraid to say “no” either.

““Let’s put you another Olivier, you haven’t eaten anything at all (a)!” – “Thank you, no.” “Is it boring, probably alone / alone without children?” – “No”. “Let’s go to the store, we’ll buy you a normal suit!” – “No.” Don’t make people read your mind, say “no” lightly and with a smile. You won’t offend anyone if you honestly say what you like and DON’T like,” Labkovsky explained.

The expert added that there is no need to try to remake loved ones.

“Try to understand that your parents and loved ones are who they are,” says the psychologist. You cannot and should not “remake” them. Do not take the position of a child and do not idealize other people’s moms / dads: they say, “Sasha has ideal parents – unlike you, they do not climb into his life and do not ask stupid questions!”. Your loved ones are other people, accept it as a fact.