The question is posed by the following individual:
Good day.
Your strong aversion to spending the New Year with your in-laws indicates that your previous unfavorable experiences with them have left a profound imprint on your psyche, eliciting a comprehensible state of apprehension.
Anxiety can easily ensnare an individual, with the mind often fixating excessively on memories, which can exacerbate anxiety and precipitate a state of mind that renders it increasingly challenging to accept the situation.
It may be beneficial to consider a broader perspective. For instance, even if there have been unfortunate occurrences in the past, it is possible that the perception of those events differs between you and them.
It is important to recognize that what may be embarrassing to you may not be as significant to them as you perceive. Additionally, after marriage, your status shifts from that of a prospective bride to a full member of the family. This transition may naturally lead to a change in the attitude of your in-laws towards you, potentially becoming more accepting.
It would be advisable to ascertain whether your in-laws have any traditions pertaining to the return of the newly married daughter to their home for the Chinese New Year. Similarly, it would be prudent to determine whether your own parents have any customs regarding the return of their daughter to their home for the New Year. In some regions, it is customary for the son and daughter-in-law to visit their parents on the first day of the New Year, and on the second day, the daughter and son-in-law pay New Year's calls on their parents.
In the event that such customs exist, it would be advisable to arrange to visit both sets of parents during the Chinese New Year. Even if one were to visit one's in-laws prior to the New Year, it would still be necessary to visit one's parents after the New Year, and one would not remain at one's in-laws for an extended period. Consequently, it would be prudent to consider whether this would make it easier to tolerate the situation.
The integration of two families is a challenging process for both individuals, and it is essential to engage in open communication to navigate these complexities. Regardless of which family attends the holiday gathering, the individual from the original family should be prepared to accommodate the other person's needs to a greater extent.
Given that the other person is spending the holiday in a family with whom they are unfamiliar, it is inevitable that they will experience some degree of discomfort. If the other person is not accustomed to this situation and is struggling to adapt, it is the responsibility of the person from the original family to provide additional care and support, clarify any confusing aspects, and address any misunderstandings with the family members.
The New Year is primarily concerned with etiquette and socializing with family members. Given that the family is together, they should adhere to a higher standard of politeness than is typical. In general, they should refrain from engaging in any actions that might cause embarrassment to the other person.
The New Year may be regarded as an opportunity to become better acquainted with one's relatives. When relatives meet, they greet each other and become better acquainted. There is no obligation for them to engage in any profound interactions. It is often more beneficial to say a few more words. If one feels nervous, it is advisable to ask one's husband to do the talking for them. It is possible to get by with just a smile.
In conclusion, there is no necessity to succumb to the influence of past memories and become so intimidated that one is reluctant or unwilling to visit one's in-laws. As a full member of the family, it is imperative to maintain an upright posture, a polite demeanor, and a rational attitude. It is then evident that no individual can inflict any harm upon you.
Furthermore, it would be prudent to request that your husband provide you with more care and attention at your in-laws' residence.
Comments
I understand how tough this can be. Facing stubborn inlaws is never easy, especially during holidays. If meeting up makes you anxious, maybe you could suggest a video call instead of an inperson visit to ease the pressure.
It's completely valid to feel this way. You might consider having a heartfelt conversation with your husband about your feelings. Explain that spending time with his family is challenging for you and discuss alternatives like visiting another time.
The holiday season should be enjoyable, not stressful. Perhaps you can plan a getaway together or spend it with your own family. It's important to prioritize your mental health and wellbeing.
Your feelings are real and deserve consideration. Talk to your husband openly about your anxiety. Maybe you can compromise by inviting them over to your place where you have more control over the environment.
You don't have to force yourself into uncomfortable situations. Discuss with your spouse the possibility of alternating holidays between families from year to year. This way, no one feels neglected and everyone gets a break.