Dealing with embarrassing relatives

Are you one of those people that absolutely dreads family parties because you are worried about your relatives that are embarrassing? Everyone's family has at least one "black sheep". The important thing to remember is that you are related to this person and you need to love them despite their embarrassing behavior. Here are some tips that may help you make it through the next family gathering.
Tip # 1 - Acceptance and Love
When it comes to dealing with embarrassing relatives, you need to remember that everyone is different. Stop looking at their embarrassing qualities and start picking out of their good ones. This may be hard with some people, but everyone has at least one good quality. When it comes to being embarrassed, you have complete control over that. Stop allowing yourself to become embarrassed. So what if your Uncle Tom likes to get drunk and play the piano, that's just who he is! Accepting those relatives that embarrass you is the best way to get over your personal frustrations with family events.

Tip # 2 - Talk to them
If you just can't handle the behavior, try talking to your relative about it. Maybe your little sister thinks it's funny to blurt out a song in the middle of Wal-Mart, if it bothers you, tell her. Be prepared to give up some of your embarrassing behavior if you are asking your relatives to change. Maybe you need to learn how to loosen up a little and just have fun when you are with your relatives instead of thinking about what everyone else around you is thinking.
Dealing with a difficult problem, like Uncle Tom's drunken tirades, can be another challenge. When embarrassing behavior becomes a problem like alcoholism, anorexia, depression, or another serious condition, you need to have a family talk. Part of being in a family is to help one another. Maybe your Uncle doesn't realize he has a drinking problem, but when you point it out, it may help him realize it. Be calm when you are approaching your family member with a serious matter as their first reaction will be to defend themselves against your attack. Calmly state your feelings and your concern for their well-being.
Tip # 3 - Bite your tongue
Everyone has at least one family member that is the "know it all" or the "big mouth". When you are around this person, learn how to bite your tongue. Do your part to keep the family happy and harmonious by avoiding starting unnecessary conversations with this person. If their behavior starts to get out of control, you may need to step in and let them know they are crossing a line, especially if they start belittling others for not knowing as much as they do. Of course, the best method is just to distance yourself from this person. If you know how they are, walk away from them so you don't have to listen to them talk about themselves and all their information. Try playing a game with them, this is a great way to avoid talking to them about too much and it can help you find a different way to connect with them.
No matter what embarrassing quirks your relatives may have, you need to remember that you probably have some as well. Find tactful ways to speak to your relatives about their behavior, but be willing to recognize some of your embarrassing behavior. Determine what is more important; keeping peace in the family by just letting them be themselves or trying to change them into a different person. Having understanding, love, and tolerance for your loved ones will help you get through some of the embarrassing times.