I remember vividly the Thanksgiving I resigned as “Family Counselor” for my family.
Everyone called me to whine or complain about what other family members were doing. I had tried to console and counsel them for years. One Thanksgiving I was stressed and had enough. It was obvious that this process did not help anyone…least of all me.
I wrote a formal letter of resignation to each member of my family right before Thanksgiving. It was the quietest meal we ever ate together.
Want to write your own “I quit” letter? Here’s a template. Feel free to cut and paste and email away!
Dear Family ~
I need to share something with you before we get together this holiday season.
I quit.
I quit being the person that people complain to.
I quit being the recipient of phone calls and emails about the offensive thing that so-and-so did to you.
I quit being the Switzerland in all the family arguments.
I quit.
Surely you understand that I spend every day solving life and death problems. During the holidays, I need a break.
Looking forward to seeing you this Thanksgiving!
Sincerely, Me