| Adapted from an online discussion. Dear Carolyn: I have a relative who ruins every family gathering by policing what everyone eats, insulting their food repeatedly and criticizing people’s appearance (weight, hair, clothes). When asked directly to stop, they just say they never do that and we are making it up. I’m ready to boycott these gatherings, but my kids want to go. I’m getting very angry since I’m often the one paying for and/or preparing the food as well as cleaning up, and I can’t even eat in peace. Neither can the other guests in my home. I’m afraid the kids will be impacted or start to imitate this controlling behavior. Since this relative denies it later, what’s a good response, civil but effective, in the moment? Kids are watching and listening, so I’d like to model a good response. — Food Fight |
