7 types of family members you only really need to see once a year (at most)

There’s a fine line between loving your family and maintaining your sanity.

Let’s face it, not all family relationships are meant to be close, and some dynamics are best kept at a distance for your own well-being.

While family ties are important, certain relatives might be better appreciated in small doses.

This article is all about those seven types of family members you really only need to see once a year (if that).

So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s dive right in:

1) The perpetual one-upper

No matter what you’ve achieved, they’ve done something bigger and better.

Just got a promotion at work? They just got named CEO of their company.

Bought a new car? They just bought a yacht.

Dealing with this type of family member can be exhausting and annoying as their constant need to outdo everyone can make even the most joyous family gatherings feel like a competition.

And let’s be honest, who wants that?

2) The gossip enthusiast

They’re the ones who always seem to know everyone’s business—before they even do!

Let me share a personal example: Last year, at a family gathering, my Aunt Sally cornered me in the kitchen.

Before I could even grab a slice of pie, she launched into a detailed account of my cousin’s recent breakup—a cousin I hadn’t spoken to in months!

Of course, I was taken aback.

Sure, it’s natural to be curious about what’s happening in others’ lives, but there’s a fine line between harmless curiosity and invasive gossiping.

The thing is, these family members can turn even the most innocent conversation into a hotbed of rumors and it can make visiting them feel more like stepping into a soap opera than a family reunion.

So, my advice? Keep those visits with the family gossip enthusiast to a minimum.

Trust me, your sanity will thank you.

3) The unsolicited advice giver

This family member has an opinion on everything and isn’t afraid to share it, regardless of whether you asked for it or not.

Did you know that receiving unsolicited advice can actually lead to a subtle to immediate decrease in one’s self-esteem? It’s true.

This can make interactions with the unsolicited advice giver, well, less than pleasant.

They mean well, most of the time, but their constant stream of “you should do this” or “why don’t you try that” can be overwhelming.

4) The perpetual pessimist

Ever been around someone who always seems to see the glass half empty? That’s your perpetual pessimist family member.

It’s the one who, rain or shine, will find something to complain about.

From the weather to the food, to the state of the world, nothing is ever quite right for them.

Spending time with such a person can be draining as their negativity has a way of spreading and can quickly dampen even the most festive family gatherings.

While it’s important to empathize with their feelings, it’s equally crucial to protect your own mental health.

5) The relentless questioner

Next up, is the relentless questioner—they’re the ones who treat every family gathering like an interrogation session.

A few years back, I found myself sitting across from my Uncle Bob at Thanksgiving dinner: Before I could even take a bite of my turkey, he fired off a series of questions about my career, relationship status, and life choices.

I felt like I was on trial rather than enjoying a holiday meal.

The relentless questioner is often genuinely interested in your life, but their barrage of questions can feel invasive and stressful, turning a pleasant visit into an anxiety-inducing ordeal.

Word of advice: It might be best to limit your one-on-one time with the relentless questioner to those special occasions where there’s plenty of other family around to share the questioning load.

6) The drama instigator

This family member thrives on controversy and seems to take pleasure in stirring the pot.

They’re the ones who bring up contentious topics at the dinner table or rehash old family feuds, so their actions often lead to heated arguments and unnecessary stress.

While it’s never dull when they’re around, their love for drama can make family gatherings more stressful than they need to be.

Unless you’re a fan of soap opera-level theatrics at your family functions, it’s best to keep your interactions with the drama instigator to a minimum.

7) The constant critic

Last, but certainly not least, is the constant critic.

This family member has a knack for pointing out your flaws and shortcomings, often under the guise of ‘constructive criticism’.

Their constant critiques can take a toll on your self-esteem and make family gatherings feel more like critique sessions.

Remember, everyone has the right to be treated with respect and kindness.

If a family member consistently makes you feel inferior or inadequate, it’s okay to limit your time with them.

You are not obligated to endure mistreatment in the name of family.

Ultimately, it’s about boundaries

At the heart of it all, the issue of how often we see certain family members comes down to one critical element—boundaries.

Setting boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships, especially with family.

You have the right to protect your personal space and mental health, and it’s okay to limit interactions with family members who drain your energy or make you uncomfortable.

This doesn’t mean you love them any less; it means you’re prioritizing your well-being.

Family gatherings can already be stressful, so it’s perfectly fine to set limits on exposure to those who create unnecessary tension.

Remember that your well-being matters and, sometimes, setting those boundaries might just be the kindest thing you can do for yourself.