Being the odd one out within a family can be hard.
You try your best to blend in, but it always feels like a punch in the gut when you are reminded that you are different. You keep your opinions to yourself, but once in a while, your true self comes peeking through.
Unfortunately, your true self isn’t celebrated.
You feel like you are being pigeon holed. But you know that you don’t belong in a box. You want to be yourself and express yourself in your own unique way. Here are 4 ways to possibly find understanding from difficult family members.
1) Get realistic about what type of relationship you can have with family members
When you are the different one within your family, finding acceptance could feel like a losing game. You try really hard, but they still reject or misunderstand you. Take a moment to ask yourself what you want from that relationship. Are your wants actually realistic or would your entire family have to change who they are in order for you to get what you want?
Let go of the idea that you will be fully embraced by everyone. Chances are your entire family probably won’t change at once, so maybe you can change what you expect from them.
Your family and loved ones don’t have to share the same interests and hobbies as you. It’s even possible that they don’t completely understand you.
Accept that and move forward. Find commonalities if you can.
2) Stop arguing with family members
When you seek acceptance from others, sometimes you can get sucked into the trap of arguing back and forth with them. Sometimes we try to force others to understand our point of view.
It does you no good to try to force people to understand you.
As long as you understand your own values and your worth, it no longer will be so important for others to truly embrace your values.
Avoid hot button topics that trigger the unwelcome opinions of your family and loved ones. Stick to neutral topics, and that way your visits with them will be so much more pleasant.
In my therapy practice in Murrieta, CA, I teach my clients how to respond assertively, while navigating difficult family dynamics.
3) Validate yourself
No matter how strong or opinionated you are, it is definitely painful to not be accepted by the ones you love. Take some time to grieve the relationships that were lost and the strained relationships. Find people who see you and get you. Sometimes your friends can feel so much more comforting than your own family members.
Not all family has to be related to you by blood. Sometimes friends become like family.
Remind yourself that your worth is not determined by the opinions of others. Even if you are the odd one in the family, you are still deserving of love and acceptance.
Remind yourself of that when times get hard. If you struggle with this, counseling in Temecula can help.
4) Create healthy boundaries
Keeping healthy boundaries is the best way to survive a difficult or toxic family dynamic. The positive part is that you decide what boundaries to set.
If you are in the presence of a very contentious family member, keep conversations short, polite and to the point.
You also do not have to pick up every single phone call or respond to text messages immediately. When a text comes in, take a moment and think through it before responding.
Focus on 2 or 3 conversation topics and don’t accept the invite to debate on hot button topics. Know what occasions and family gatherings to skip.
If you do decide to attend family gatherings, know that you have the option of a short visit. Don’t punish yourself by showing up early and leaving late.
Although you don’t get to choose your family, you can decide how to maneuver your relationships so that you’re not feeling dreadful every time you interact with them.
If you are a woman in the Murrieta/Temecula area who is feeling tired and hurt by the rejection from a toxic family, click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call, so you can learn how to manage anxiety, speak up for yourself and learn how to set healthy boundaries. I’m a Black therapist in Murrieta, CA who helps women find their voice, manage difficult relationships and learn how to show up authentically.
As a counselor in California, I see clients throughout California through my HIPAA compliant online office.