Experts share how to set boundaries when you’re navigating holiday family vaccination status, and who to invite.
Flash forward a year andseveral vaccination approvalslater, and people arestillstuck in long-distance relationships with their family and friends.
She specializes in trauma, anxiety, people-pleasing, and relationship issues.
Jessica Dyer is a licensed clinical social worker and somatic experiencing practitioner in Oakland, California.
Jessica partners with people who struggle with self-doubt, a strong inner critic, and imposter syndrome.
John Koch, PhD, is Senior Lecturer and Director of Debate at Vanderbilt University.
Anusree Gupta is a licensed professional counselor and EMDR-certified therapist in Austin, Texas. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, people-pleasing, and relationship issues.
His primary research interests include argumentation and debate, citizenship, democratic theory, and presidential rhetoric.
Other areas of interest are public memory and the intersection of political culture, rhetoric, and sports.
So if youre wondering how to avoid vaccine-resistant family and friends this season, youre certainly not alone.
Its a frustrating time, period.
I would assess what helps you to feel the most comfortable and what your individual relationships are like.
It can be helpful to set the tone of the conversation with the person.
Calling on the phone can allow you to be direct and exit the conversation.
First, identify the action that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Keep it direct and straightforward.
In this case, they want to see you.
But nows not the time to cave.
you might acknowledge the feelings behind the pushback while holding firm to your boundary, she says.
She recommends saying something like, I understand that you really want to see me this holiday.
I wish that I could see you too.
I look forward to the time that we can see each other in person again.
I am not able to talk about this anymore.
Then you could hang up.
I would encourage people to let debate and discussion happen if it is productive, he says.
For example, maybe you both decide that wearing masks and going for an outdoor walk could work.
However, a discussion may escalate beyond the point of resolution.
At which point, Dr. Koch recommends bringing the topic to a close.
Above all, remember to do whats necessary to make you feel safe and healthy this holiday season.
This is a really challenging time, says Dyer.
Be gentle with yourself.
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