It’s Christmas time. The time to meet and greet Aunt Josephine and answer all those questions that give you ulcers when you start getting dressed to go to that family dinner. This is turning your stomach into knots. Here is my early Christmas present for you.
Take an index card. Write on it:
“I respect your right to have an opinion on this issue that’s different from mine. However, for the sake of preserving our relationship, I ask that you stop sharing it with me. Thank you.”
Keep it in pocket and when one of them comments or questions comes up – swallow the bite of gingerbread, gulp down the wine, reach into pocket, hand it to conversation partner with a smile, take it back, and start talking about those other dwarf planets. What are they called again?
Photo (christmas 2007) by paparutzi
Originally published December 10, 2009, Unschooling Canada
More like this: Quote Me: Just Say Nothing
Nothing By The Book 
It is funny that you use the name Aunt Josephine, because I have an Aunt by this name and ironically she would be the reason to write an index card, lol!! Seriously this is great and need to try 🙂
That’s too funny. I was thinking of Miss Josephine Barry from Anne of Green Gables. Who is a lovely character in the book, and loves Anne eventually… but who I know I would clash with horribly in person.
Too funny! I am going to a family event on Monday after not being invited to one in YEARS. Why, you ask? Because one of my Aunts was pissed I had a small wedding and didn’t invite her (even though I didn’t invite ANY extended family). This year, someone else in the family is hosting, and I actually got an invite, so we’re going. Me thinks it will be awkward, so I shall take an index card with me, but it may have something a little more colorful written on it. 🙂
Brilliant! Now if only I could get up the courage to hand over the card. I usually just smile and nod until they are done talking, then change the subject.
Sometimes, just knowing you have that card in your pocket–and could hand it over–is a sanity saver.
For the record, I’ve only ever done this once. But gods, it felt so good.
I could have used this index card trick at our family reunion this past summer! Our Christmas’s are small as we only have a few family members close by and they do not require a index card but definitely keeping this idea up my sleeve for the next reunion!!! LOL! And, yes, I would definitely need this with Miss Josephine Barry!!!
I’m always armed and ready with the wine. But now, I will be especially prepared with this index card in tow. I may need more than one card for my family gatherings! 🙂
LOL, you don’t have to hand them out. You can hand them over to be read, and then put them back in your pocket for re-using. 😛
Recycling at its best!
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Brilliant. Why didn’t I read this earlier…
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