{"id":18756,"date":"2024-12-21T09:00:15","date_gmt":"2024-12-21T10:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/medexperts.pro\/?p=18756"},"modified":"2024-12-21T10:27:11","modified_gmt":"2024-12-21T10:27:11","slug":"how-to-gently-set-boundaries-during-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/?p=18756","title":{"rendered":"How to (Gently) Set Boundaries During the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Experts share tips for minimizing irritation and avoiding intrusive questions.<\/p>\n

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Every Christmas, Gabriel Ronquillo dreads the inevitable questions from well-meaning relatives about when he\u2019s getting married or having children.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to upset my folks by telling off an auntie,\u201d said Mr. Ronquillo, 36, who is Filipino American. In his culture, he said, respect for elders is paramount. So he tries to either politely put up with the questions or to avoid the conversation altogether. Sometimes it works \u2014 and sometimes \u201cthere\u2019s still a bit of that edgy teenager that comes out,\u201d Mr. Ronquillo said.<\/p>\n

Therapists say that at this time of year they often hear from clients about anxiety over such family dynamics. Uncomfortable topics like marriage, children, career choices or personal appearance may come up, said Aparna Sagaram, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of a Philadelphia-based practice focused on culturally sensitive therapy.<\/p>\n

While some people might find it easy enough to shut down unwanted questions or comments, \u201cthat directness may not be well received\u201d in certain cultures or family structures, said Jenny Wang, a clinical psychologist whose clients include many Asian American women and children of immigrants. \u201cOftentimes we have to think more strategically and outside of the box.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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She and other experts offered these tips for navigating holiday gatherings.<\/p>\n