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(Will your inside jokes still be funny?)
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Maybe youre bringing home a new romantic partner to meet the whole crew at once.
Or maybe youre just really, really excited for someone else to cook you dinner every night.
Visiting home after a long hiatus can sometimes feel equal parts joyful, comforting, and nerve-wracking.
Her antidote to such fears: Decide that youre not going to dwell on such worries.
Here are more expert-recommended tactics thatll help ensure that your time at home with family is well spent.
Set a happy toneand happy plans.
(Good-old bingo is always a winner when theres a crowd.)
Expect the expected.
That said, be prepared for everything not to go perfectly.
Family dynamics can be super triggering, says meditation teacherLynne Goldberg, cofounder of the meditation appBreethe.
One sideward glance from Mom about that second piece of cake and youre off to the races.
Pave the way for a new partner.
Setting the stage beforehand can help make the get-to-know-you phase easier for everyone.
If your partner is an animal lover, arrange to arrive safelyafteryour dads annual duck hunt.
(And give adequate warning about any taxidermy she might encounter.)
Embrace awkwardness.
Even a fleeting tense interaction neednt sour the mood.
Its important to set realistic expectations, Dr. Hafeez says.
Family gatherings may have quirks and imperfections, as no family is perfect.
Don’t force your partner to bond or form instant connections with family members, Dr. Hafeez says.
Relationships take time to develop, and everyone may not instantly hit it off.
make a run at relax and let everyone warm up.
Drink mindfully.
Build in some alone time.
Youcando this without seeming like a moody teenager.
Definitely dont feel guilty about not spending every waking minute with family.
Ask good questions.
Some prompts: What are your favorite memories from growing up?
What was life like when you were a teenager?
Did you have dreams about what you wanted to do for a living?
What was your first job?
