Great topic: wanted to post this last week, but I was too preoccupied with worrying about a it. I had a big family get together this past weekend with my dad's side of the family. They are all "Southern Belle" types; very religious (southern baptist), conservative, primarily lower levels of education, and extremely judgmental. They are always asking when I'm going to visit them...and why we never talk...but I'm there visiting and they call me a couple of times a month. I also, don't really understand the purpose of it? My mom's side of the family would usually plan boating events, or games in the back yard, or play cards, etc. I get that, but I really don't understand the big get together where everyone just sits around in separate little groups telling everyone how good they look, etc. I just want to say, "what is it you people want from me?"
I'm just curious as to how others handle that type of gathering? and does anyone else wonder what the point is with all the "it's been so long, you haven't changed a bit, etc"?
to get through it, I just nod my head and say "yes, I know"...or "okay" a lot. I also end up doing a lot of the setting up, serving, and cleaning up...even though I did not plan the gathering.