I am determined to have a great time with my husband's family during the holidays. This has has always been a bit of a problem over the years anyway. One reason is I get pretty stressed over the holidays (this year I'm armed with some emergency Zanex to help!), and a second is I'm not particularly close with his family (execpt for my mother-in-law! She's wonderful!!!).

Also, a couple of years ago there was a "bad" incident. We had moved and I was sad about it because the kids missed their friends and there were no kids in the new neighborhood. My husband's cousin's wife (who does drink a bit) started saying in a really mean voice that I was spoiled, that my husband treated me too well, that I didn't appreciate what I had and blah blah blah. The way she said it was REALLY mean and I started crying. I ended up leaving.

Anyhow, we worked through all that and it isn't a problem (I realize she drinks too much and has a lot of jealousy towards me). But this year I have more to deal with.

This year, if we all get together, I have to face a lot of people who don't particularly like me that much anyway (see me as spoiled because I think having my kids happy is more important than having a huge home!), and will probably be asking questions about the divorce.

I'm just wondering if others are feeling this same discomfort about the holidays and dealing with extended family following maritial problems. How do you plan to deal with it?

Thank God for Zanex!!!!

There is no arriving, ever. It is all a continual becoming.