2022 has been quite the doozy of a year, and for some of us, the holiday season can be incredibly hard. If inflation wasn’t enough, some of us just don’t have a safe space where we can run to during the holidays, and that can in turn lead us back home with homophobic, racist, transphobic, or just plain problematic relatives during the season.
While the holidays are sure to cause a lot of anxiety, there’s no better way to handle this with a little prep, and no, I am not talking Descovy or Truvada — though that may help for when you try to escape the family to your local gay or they bar. It’s best to plan and be prepared for any kind of worst case scenario. Below, find five easy-to-navigate tips for how you can easily survive the this weekend.
Have an “Escape Plan”
This is definitely going to be the most controversial, but remember – you do not have to stay anywhere that you do not want to. Are topics getting heated? Remarks unsettling? Know your cue to leave, and how you will go about doing it. Maybe a look or a nod from your significant other, blame it on the roads, or my personal favorite the “Irish Goodbye” – just leave without saying a word.
Find Your Inner Safe-Space
If 2022 has taught me anything personally, it’s that I need to take a step back and breathe. Apps like Headspace and Calm have been fantastic for helping those find their center. In a moment of stress, lean into your own calm and serenity that you are creating for yourself, and block out any unnecessary noise.
We All Have That Cousin
My favorite part of the holidays is that I get to see family I typically don’t get to see throughout the year. And lets face it – we all have at least one cousin that gets us, and might even be, dare I say, one of us. Hang with them and your evening will fly by.
Chosen Family
If your family isn’t safe or fun to be around, you can always select to be with your chosen family. Yes, you might not be related by blood or marriage – but the love that permeates overshadows all.
Just Say No
A simple concept, but if you are not feeling safe and secure somewhere, you can simply say no to attending. That’s right – you are an adult, your own person.
