[Joe Wicked]

This is why I live in Texas and my family is all in Nebraska (Save for the group who moved to Georgia for the same reasons I left). I do not believe there is a true fully functional family out there. We all have the same issues it seems. My family is so dysfunctional, that everyone knows everyone else is an idiot. I can openly say no, I did not agree and cannot afford it. Everyone also knows that I live by the philosophy that "I can do bad all by myself, I don't need your help". Meaning that if I am going to be miserable, it is not going to be because of you causing me trouble. If dealing with you is miserable, and ignoring you is miserable, I will ignore you. That way it is on my own and I have no reason to continue resenting you after a time. There are long stretches that I don't speak to some family members, but in the end we can be social at any family gathering and actually have a good time because I don't allow any animosity build up. Of course I have one of those families that everyone gets along great for about 3 days. After that, small skirmishes start erupting and people expect sides to be taken. After about a week, people are ready to kill each other and pretty much start separating until next year. I don't allow anyone to ruin my vacation or good time.