Why is it so difficult to get along with family members?
152028
Familiarity breeds contempt.
792171
If your family is that insensitive it's not likely that talking to them about it will do any good. If you can just play along with it and be the bigger person you'll feel better about it. Can you bring yourself to joke about it along with them or ask them for their advice? If you keep allowing this to hurt you, they'll smell blood and keep up with it. Change the subject by asking what challenges and rewards they've had with their relationships. If you get people talking about themselves, they'll forget about talking about you. Good luck. And by the way, don't feel guilty if you don't want to go to the family get-together. Find a charity that's hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, or better yet, work for one that is. Being around caring people, and people that are worse off than you, will be a great lifter of your spirits.
1032316
Do u mean like everyone in your family HATE each other? MY family is just like that. I'm 13, i just try to ignore it, stay  away and just talk to someone who really listens.
632028
Sometimes you find somebody that you just can't get along with.  You should understand that she is different and accept that she probably isn't going to change.  Try to find something that you both like so that your happiness will conquer the anger. Also, remember, just because she is your cousin and your mom enjoyed being with her little cousin, doesn't mean you have to!
511129
there is no such thing as a conservative family every one has some dirt under the rug, and if thy think that you are not good enough now you will spend most of your time trying to show them that you are, that is if you get in the family. and its takes so much out of you that it is not worth it. i know, it sucks.
1022225
It is terrible to have to do this to relatives & one can still be civil with them, but this does not mean that you have to tolerate abusive of any kind from them.  Our family has had to cut off someone because they refuse to change their negative behavior, or even acknowledge that they have a problem. I am afraid they will never realize it until they are cut off from absolutely everyone.
1150569
Not all people are affectionate people; I maybe got 2 hugs from my grandmother in her lifetime, yet I know she loved me very much. The big question here is, how do YOU get along with them? That could be the key.
342952
Nobody with a family should answer this.  You should be compassionate towards the feelings of family members.
574001
I think that because it's a very tight-knit family it is hard. You always aim to make your parents proud, and hispanics grow up in a religious, Catholic setting in most instances. I know growing up that there were extreme homophobic undertones at most family gatherings. When my cousin came out as bi they were extremely nice to her face but were so cruel behind her back and told their children to stay away. You can usually sense the dislike there and family especially extended family seems so much closer and in your business, they tell your parents things and try to get you to straighten up their kids. One uncle asked me, "How many girlfriends do you have in college?" I said, "None." and his reply: "You're not becoming a fag are you?" Just too machismo.
386274
People tend to be controlling out of fear. Family members can be controlling because they are afraid you won't make what they consider to be the "right" choices. They try to keep things in their realm of understanding and reasoning. \n\nIf they are really being mean then they may be controlling because they are afraid of being inferior in some way. If they keep you under their control then it makes them feel like the superior person.
468705
I know someone whom I'm sure is bi-polar, one day she's so happy and nice, the next she depressed and nasty. The reason it's so hard to get along with someone like this, is because you don't know which way they'll be on any given day- it's hard to determine how they'll feel and act so you don't know how to act towards them in the first place. The person doesn't even know how she will be on any given day- you really just need to support her and give her space when she needs it. I know sometimes these people feel guilty after they've acted a certain way so just show he love and forgiveness.
495689
Life is too short to feud with people, especially family members. I've had to bite my tongue many times in the past because of differences between relatives. The best thing to do is talk to her rationally, and if she starts cussing at you, let her vent, because she obviously has something on her mind that she just doesn't want to let go. If she sees that you aren't getting mad over it, she'll someday realize that she was being selfish, and hopefully come to respect you. \n\nI used to be (and still am, to an extent) very verbal, and would tell people how I felt, no matter if it hurt them or not, but life has taught me that everyone has bad days, and not all people can be nice all the time. I guess it takes losing a loved one and not being able to apologize to them or tell them how much they meant to me, for me to come to this point in my life. I hope you and your aunt can resume a good, loving relationship. It's not too late to call her up and tell her you love her! Good luck to you! I hope this helps.
166963
becuz familys are made to trust that what theyre for! they love you a lot and therefore dont want to hurt you by not being trustworthy. and after having trouble with family you should probably should wait a little before trusting someone with something because in anger people sometimes forget love and not hurting people. ask the family member if you can trust him/her before telling anything and try to make sure they are telling the truth.
739044
Sometimes you just have to swallow your differences to make others happy.  Especially is that other is your family. \n\nI don't think it's too much to ask to share in your family happiness.
1172426
I'm there with ya. Its because we are good to people and they want to use you. You should be me cause I have one person I am coming close to hating and its a family member by marriage. It is also because some people drive others to that conclusion and it is a natural emotion.
653874
Sometimes that happens with siblings. Maybe you should try to talk your differences out. Maybe they feel the same about you. Communication is the key.
195197
People have become depersonalized in a modern world.There is a lack of accountability. We no longer live in small communities that we have to have good relations to survive. If 150 years ago you were rude to the people you interact with, you may not get your harvest sold at a decent price, or the neighbors to help till you fields should you fall sick. These days many are estranged from family.Extended family has always served as a system  of support as well as discipline. Aunts,Uncles and grandparents would step in as surrogate parents should they see even a distant relation misbehaving.People are also weary, I think , and in the hurried pace of life, do not see what being kind will DO for them.Unfortunately, thinking of yourself first has been promoted for years now and rudeness is a side effect.IMO, If everyone calmly and non judgementally said ," You may not realize it, but you were just unnecessarily rude" people may reflect and change their own behavior. Then again, you may get the finger!