# Prepare for a holiday or family visit that usually gets tense

A plan for a family visit or holiday gathering with topics to steer clear of, calm replies, and ways to take breaks.

- Topic: Personal Life & Wellbeing
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/prepare-for-a-holiday-or-family-visit-that-usually-gets-tense

## Prompt

```text
Help me get through an upcoming family visit or holiday gathering that tends to be stressful.

**The event:** [e.g. "Thanksgiving at my in-laws", "week-long visit from my parents", "first holiday since the divorce"]
**Who will be there and the usual dynamics:** [e.g. "uncle starts political fights", "mom criticizes my parenting", "siblings compete"]
**Topics that usually cause trouble:** [TOPICS]
**Who's on my side (partner, sibling):** [NAMES/ROLES]
**My limits:** [e.g. "I can do one night, not three", "won't discuss my weight"]
**What I'm looking forward to, if anything:** [GOOD PARTS]

Give me:
1. **Before:** what to agree with my partner or ally (signals, when we'll leave, who handles which relative), and decisions to make in advance (where to stay, how long).
2. **Deflection lines:** 2-3 polite ways to change the subject for each trouble topic.
3. **Calm replies:** to criticism, unsolicited advice, and comparisons, from light to firm.
4. **Breaks:** natural reasons to step away (a walk, an errand, helping in the kitchen) and a short calming routine.
5. **An exit plan** if things escalate.
6. **Protecting the good parts:** small ways to enjoy the people and moments that matter.
7. **After:** how to decompress and what to reflect on for next time.

If any family member has been abusive or I feel unsafe, say it's OK not to attend and help me plan an alternative.
```

## What to fill in

- TOPICS
- NAMES/ROLES
- GOOD PARTS

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