I'm feeling some stress about my narcissistic sister visiting over Christmas. She's staying with my parents and we'll only be hanging out there a few times. I've intentionally scheduled some other things so we have a reason to not be there more often. I'm also formulating a plan to help me keep my sense of humor when we do have to be there.
DH and I are going to tuck some small bingo cards in our pockets. Each hit gets us a break with a glass of wine, and full bingo lets us claim headache and then go home early.
Here are some of the current options. One square each for discussion of:
* Others' physical appearance (hair, skin, clothes, weight, etc.)
* Disagreements about the best way to eat healthfully (gluten-free, whole foods, "clean", whatever)
* Insults disguised as complements ("Your hair looks SO much better than it used to.")
* Complaining about character traits in others that the complainer has herself. ("She's so self-centered. She never listens to MEEEE.")
* What's wrong with every guy she's ever dated or been married to
* Blaming her "intimidating beauty" for her inability to find a serious SO
* Showing how little she knows us (ex. lecturing me about climate change, when I've done graduate work in environmental issues)
* General ignorance (current events, how things work, science, vocabulary, etc.)
* How and boring my life must be as a "soccer mom" and/or "housewife"
* How "lucky" I am that my life is good (happily married, nice kids, successful small business) with no recognition that we worked for it
* Whining about the absolutely predictable consequences of her own bad decision-making
And two get-out-of-jail-free squares, which release us to leave immediately:
* Sudden bouts of rage
* Rudeness in any form to the kids
Any suggestions? What would be on YOUR bingo card?
