BW's rules for the family who wants to be supportive

[Caramello]

Hi BW,

Great list!

Ok - going to be a negative Nancy - I just remember what my in-laws were like when we tried to explain via email how to treat us around about this time last year.

Unfortunately they took it completely the wrong way and thought we were resigning from the family (we just wanted to back out of a Christmas gathering, which they wouldn't let us do despite our explanations).

I suppose what I am saying is that despite your best intentions, people can react in ways that you can't predict at the time. And it can be messy. Particularly at this end of the year when emotions are running high.

Then again, if it's a choice between that and emotional pain, I'd still take messy!

Good luck with it BW!