How do you get out of doing something...

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
How do you get out of doing something...
10
Wed, 11-10-2004 - 10:43am
Since the holidays are fast approaching, I was wondering how you get out of doing something you don’t want to do? It can be anything – exchanging gifts with people you are not close to or going to a dinner/party you would rather not.

We get pulled in so many directions the holidays become blurs. I am just looking for way to keep my sanity and holiday spirit.


Thanks

Robyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 11-10-2004 - 11:38am
How you get out of doing something you don’t want to do?
This is a kind of weird question Robyn, lol--- but fortunately I know what you're getting at. I suppose in a way this doesn't happen all that much to me. I'm usually UP for anything going on. I used to be known as the "organizer" of all of these kinds of things....so it's nice to take a seat in the back and just enjoy them now.
However--- if there is something I don't want to go to, I make up some excuse (and not a one that's quite plausible either >blush<) ... or sometimes I just don't show up (though this is a last resort, I hate those kinds of people!)
Moderation IS Key!

cl-vi_islandgirl
Getting Fit in Your 30's

_____________________________________________________

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 11-10-2004 - 11:57am

Leave the country.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Wed, 11-10-2004 - 12:40pm

Not that I would normally condone lying....but in this case... LIE like a rug, baby!!


It's the Holidays...it's a time about family and you shouldn't feel OBLIGATED to attend functions or exchange gifts with anyone that you don't choose to.

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Wed, 11-10-2004 - 12:57pm

Pray for a Snowstorm!!!


Other than that I can't help you...sorry!


Heather




iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Thu, 11-11-2004 - 9:47am
Funny responses.

Miranda I will have to pick up Skipping Christmas, I have been looking at it for a while. I like to get a new Christmas book each year.

I really asked because of work. People get so phoney around the holidays. One co-worker never speaks to most of us usless there is a gift giving occation that she is like our best friend. I hate that. Last year my dept supvisor (not my boss) gave us all these tacky picture frames you could tell there was no thought. It was so hard with my big mouth to hold in " that the fr*ig is this"

I am honest with family. I usually make an appearence to keep the peace and than bolt.

Robyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Thu, 11-11-2004 - 2:56pm

Robyn I totally agree about work.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Fri, 11-12-2004 - 2:40pm
I tried getting everyone to participate in the Toys for Tots. I got the most bazzar looks like "charity what does that mean" and "give something and not get anything in return". Now I just tell them I can't afford to participate. By that I mean i can't afford the lawyer to get me out of jail after i slap you silly for being the phonyest (sp) person in the world. ;)

Robyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-17-2004
Fri, 11-12-2004 - 3:42pm
I am the queen of avoidance.

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Fear

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2004
Sun, 11-14-2004 - 7:47am
Simply just decline. It's hard to do and they will beg and plead and ask why and just simply repeat yourself, that you are declining.

When I was first married to my ex we were pulled in 100 directions at holidays until I started saying, NO. We started making our own traditions in our own home and things changed.

The holidays aren't suppose to be rushed and harried, it's suppose to be a time for you to spend with family or loved ones. A woman on another board, was constantly having to go to her mothers for holidays, she had 3 kids that she'd have to pack up and drive all the way to her moms which I gathered were far away and she'd be upset every season because it never was fun once she got there etc. So we told her to stop saying YES and say no, and tell her mother she's welcome to come to her house for dinner and if she couldn't she'd miss her on the holiday. She was so much more relaxed, had a wonderful time with her kids opening gifts and made a nice meal all in her own home.

Traditions can be broken, you can carve a new path for yourself and your family. Don't feel bad about saying NO!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Mon, 11-15-2004 - 10:16am


No thank you should work but it it dosen't all the time. Hence my post. I like to avoid family outings when I can. But if you have to be there and don't mind telling a little lie you can tell them you chlorestorl (sp) is high - 250 is a good number to use.


Good luck.

Robyn.