Try Giving the Toxic Relatives a Dose Of Their Own Medicine Just Once!

 

I'm sure we all have toxic, annoying relatives who despise us for no apparent reason. What is the best way to deal with them?

There has been a lot written, discussed, and acknowledged about toxic spouses, in-laws, and even parents. However, one can still find people speaking out or sharing their experiences with toxic relatives, both close and distant.

To grasp the concept of these toxic relatives, we must first define a relative. A relative is any person of any age or gender who holds a position of power in the family tree. As a result, you have a good reason to be polite to them.

Few of them are bestowed upon you by birth, while others are added through a legal process known as marriage.

Obviously, you have a few kind souls among your well-wishers. At the same time, there are those who simply cannot stand you for reasons best known to them.

They simply don't seem to like you. These are the people who enjoy throwing their weight around and never miss an opportunity to belittle you, whether through words or actions. They despise your silhouette as much as they despise your existence. And these relatives most emphatically fall into the category of toxic relatives.

The mere knowledge of their arrival would cause butterflies in your stomach. And when you do see them in person, all of their efforts revolve around slamming snide remarks down your throat. It could be anywhere. They will make comments on everything from your sense of fashion to the way you express yourself to your profession. In fact, they will not even consider factors that no one can control, such as your height, weight, or complexion!

When you call them out of courtesy, they are all set to bombard you with a slew of complaints they have against you. In some cases, the ill-treatment is so subtle and silent that only the victim is aware of it.

Even displaying your best qualities will not change these people's preconceived notions of you. You are and will remain a cretin to them, no matter how well you have proven your worth on both the professional and personal fronts.

Have you ever wondered why they don't like you?

Every attempt you make to remain cordial or engage in normal conversation will be crushed under the weight of their false prestige and ego. You might wonder what you did to them to deserve this snooty and illogical attitude. Indeed, you might wonder if these people could give you a convincing reason for their hatred if you asked them.

They would, without a doubt, have a response; whether it is convincing or not is a different story altogether. Here are some examples of possible responses:

‘Oh! You mistook my candour for rudeness!'

'I say what I think.' That's just the way I am – a book with no cover.'

'How could you possibly have thought such a thing?'

 And right there, they'll push you deep into their pool of crocodile tears. Not to mention that they will tie a boulder of guilt to your conscience and ensure that you are not at peace with yourself.

 I mean, seriously!

I'm sure I'm reading your mind!

If one could create a mathematical equation for these explanations (white lies), I believe it would look like this:

Their rudeness = honesty = naive = them being children at heart

However, your questioning of them is pure misunderstanding/illusion.

Do you have people like this in your life? The relationships in which the onus of maintaining cordial ties is constantly placed solely on you? Where, despite your best efforts, you are perpetually on the receiving end. Relationships in which your politeness is misinterpreted as cowardliness, encouraging them to maintain their high-handed attitude.

It's not that you aren't tempted to give them a taste of their own medicine. However, your high moral values and beliefs act as a roadblock. 'I know, I'm reading your mind.'

Then, for once, set those values aside, swing yourself into action, and simply give them back!

The moral of the storey is that if God can do it, then we are mere mortals!

 Rab Rakha!!!!!