There are two people in my life that when their names come up in conversation or their image pops into my head I instantly become angry. My pulse begins to race, my body temperature rises, and the vein in my forehead rapidly pulses uncontrollably. Every mean, unkind thing they have ever said or done to me comes rushing through my brain. I relive each situation over again and the feelings and thoughts I had then are the same ones I have now.

Don’t even get me started on when I have to physically be around them. I honestly have to take deep breaths to calm myself down before the dreaded encounter. I get pep talks from my spouse on the way over. “It will be okay this time, I’m sure.” “Just ignore them.” “Who cares what they think?”

Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, Breathe out.

The logical question would be “Why do you see these two people that are so upsetting to you?” “Why put yourself through this?”

The unfortunate answer is ” I have to. They are family.”

Which means at every holiday, every family gathering I must endure them, their comments, their looks, and their attitude.

People can choose their friends but they can’t choose their family.

Ain’t that the truth!