Is it really Thanksgiving if there’s no family drama?

For one Redditor, last year’s holiday was anything but peaceful after her brother’s girlfriend joined the celebration. Instead of enjoying the festive atmosphere, she complained about every dish on the table, leaving a sour taste for everyone involved.

Hoping to avoid a repeat, the host decided not to invite her this year. But what seemed like a simple solution turned into yet another disagreement.

Read the full story below.

Last year, the woman turned her boyfriend’s family Thanksgiving into a disaster

Image credits: Bizon / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Now, she’s paying the price

Image credits: goffkein / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Image credits: CrimsonTwirl

It’s rare for families to keep calm during the holiday season

Image credits: gpointstudio / freepik (not the actual photo)

Family gatherings during the holiday season have a way of bringing out the f-word. By that, I mean fights. Thanksgiving, in particular, has a reputation for being one of the rowdiest occasions of the year.

A USA TODAY Blueprint survey from 2023 revealed that out of 2,000 adults, only 12 percent reported never having family arguments on Thanksgiving. The top cause of conflict, according to over half of respondents (51 percent), was “family issues.” Politics came in close behind at 48 percent, with money not far off at 47 percent. Other sensitive topics that often stir the pot included parenting styles (37 percent) and religion (29 percent).

Sean Grover, L.C.S.W., a psychotherapist and author with over 25 years of experience, believes there are three main reasons why holidays often become such a volatile time for families.

For one, they’re some of the busiest travel days of the year. Crowded airports, packed trains, flight delays, and constant traffic jams leave people exhausted and stressed before they even arrive. “Add too little sleep and last-minute shopping, and you’re primed for a full-scale emotional meltdown,” Grover points out.

If you’re heading back to your childhood home, that alone can be an overwhelming experience. For some, it’s a space filled with painful memories, like divorce or past trauma. “Once in the company of their parents and siblings, an emotional regression occurs, triggering immature childhood behaviors to resurface, such as rivalry, competition, grudges, tensions, and deep-seated resentments,” Grover explains.

Finally, overindulgence can play a big role. The holidays often mean overeating and over-drinking, both of which can lower impulse control and make people more irritable.

So, as the next gathering approaches, keep this in mind and think about how you can make it a little easier for everyone—including yourself.

Most readers felt the woman made the right call

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Though a few thought she could have handled it with a bit more grace

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