Maria's Howto: Making Family Reunions Less Awkward

Oh family reunions... a place where you get pinched by the cheek by that aunt who hasn't seen you since you were a baby. When your out to dinner with all 10 of your cousins, with nothing to talk about/do. A time where moms of toddlers retreat to the spa for 75% of the time, and drop off their kids with you.

I speak from experience when I say - "Family reunions are mega awkward.". No matter what, it's at one point going to be uncomfortable/weird. So here are some fixes for common problems at these reunions:

1. The dinner conversations are absolutley silent:

• Give your opinion on a movie that recently came out. If anybody there hasn't seen it, make plans to see it! It's a double win! Your talking, and are going to bond!
• Talk about a sports team/athlete who made a big win/loss recently. Or talk about Jeremy Lin. Either way, make sure your family are all clear fans of one team - you do not want to get into a fight with that uncle who loves the Chicago Bears when your more of an LA Laker.
• Mention something interesting that's happening in your life right now - moving houses, getting a new job, etc. The simple things matter.
• If the weather has been crazy in another nearby location, mention that. Warning: Only use this as a conversation starter. Using it as a middle-of or end-of conversation thing will just tell the other person the conversation has died.
• Tell a funny story. If your brave enough to create some laughs, go ahead and do it! Even better - make sure another family members knows about it. Then they can chip in and help you out.
• Ask another family member to do one of the above; You don't want to be that person who is always starting up the conversations and making the effort. Ask your sibling/spouse/cousin/whoever something like "Did you see the Hunger Games yet?" or "What do you think about Jeremy Lin?" or the one that never fails, "Do you remember the time when..."

2. Something/someone/the weather has cancelled your family plans.

• Make a variation to your previous plans. Were you going a movie? Pop up some popcorn and start watching a DVD. Were you going to a special Mexican ruesturant? The kitchen is now El Taco Central!
• Check your email. You don't want to go antisocial after plans have been ruined - so check your email. It occupys time and works.
• Play a board game/do a puzzle. Typically if you have kids around, they'll warm up to the idea of playing a board game/doing a puzzle.
• Retreat to silence. If the plans that were cancelled were special to you, this is a good idea. Pray, meditate, chill out, do something like that. It also passes time.

3. One person is being annoying/weird/awkward.

• Chances are the person doesn't know they're being bad. Lead them away from their annoying antics. They're probably a child who doesn't realize how loud they are, or something like that.
• If they are being intentional, it's typically towards one person. Close to you or not, you're all family. If your close enough with the awkward person, talk to them about it.

4. You've tried all of the above.

• Resort to other forms of help. Yahoo Answers, friends, stuff like that.
• Remember - your family will always be attached to you. Don't let one awkward moment get in the way.

Good luck! :D