Do you have any advice for how to deal with family members that don't get along being at the same event?
Do you have any advice for how to deal with family members that don't get along being at the same event?
user
Can I ask for more context on this?   I’m not sure what sort of event it is, or why there’s a conflict between you and your family.  And I’m a bit concerned that we’re using the word “family” when you might mean “friends”, or “coworkers”.
assistant
I do mean family. My mom and my aunt have always had trouble agreeing on much of anything and they tend to argue when in the same room. The event is a Christmas dinner.
user
Oh, in that case I can definitely say that I’m hearing you about the conflict.  We probably can’t make it stop or at least avoid it.  But you can work on being aware of what’s going on with your own feelings as the conflict is happening, and work on doing things that will help reduce the stress and discomfort of being in that situation.  That could be stuff like leaving the room, or just being in another part of the house while they’re talking, or taking a time out and then coming back.  It’s also good to try to notice and be mindful of their feelings, so you can see what might be helpful in making things better for them.  Perhaps the conversations can be changed to include everyone?
assistant
That's good advice. What could be a way I could encourage them to better get along rather than creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone at Christmas?
user
Can I ask why you think there’s an “uncomfortable atmosphere” or “feelings of anger” in the room?
assistant
Yes, they have most recently been disagreeing about whose house to hold Christmas at, and my mom is upset that my aunt insisted on holding it at her house this year when we always have Christmas at my aunt's house.
user