11 Comments
User's avatar
HI2thDoc's avatar

We choose our friends. We are stuck with whoever turns out to be relatives. If they are good people and we get along with them, it's a bonus. It is never a given.

Life is short. Might as well be happy. Good move, Walter.

Expand full comment
Lee Johnson's avatar

Good for you.

Expand full comment
Walter Rhein's avatar

Thanks!

Expand full comment
Marg KJ's avatar

Wow I grew up like that. With insults and mockery from 6 brothers who as of this date I no longer have anything to do with them. Half of them are donOLD tRUMP asslickers so no more stomach aches, no more neck aches.

Expand full comment
Walter Rhein's avatar

Solidarity to you!

Expand full comment
Anne Brooke's avatar

Totally get that. I've not spoken to my two brothers for thirty years and it was one of the best decisions I ever made xx

Expand full comment
Anne Brooke's avatar

Well done. I gave up Christmas with my family well over 30 years ago and have never regretted it. I spend a magical and beautifully quiet Christmas with my lovely husband and it's wonderful x

Expand full comment
Walter Rhein's avatar

Good for you Anne! It makes me happy to hear that!

Expand full comment
Anne Brooke's avatar

Thank you xx

Expand full comment
Gene Wood's avatar

You are spot on .. did this for Thanksgiving … it made the holiday a pure joy again ..

Expand full comment
Wendy's avatar

When my mom died in the spring of 2016 (back when Hillary was expected to win the Presidency and trump was a joke the Rs chose as their leader - oh, the naivety of those days), I vowed to spend holidays in any way I chose. Turns out I choose every single year to spend them gloriously by myself. I never wanted kids so don't have any, my brother and his family are a PITA to travel to, and I am not interested in friends' family dramas. I absolutely love the holidays now.

There is something I admire about dying in the spring of '16 feeling this country was going to finally elect its first woman President allowing us to continue in prosperity and the possibility of a more perfect union. But nope, we chose the harder and more painful path as bandaids and blindfolds are being ripped off left, right, and center - both literally and metaphorically.

Throwing this out to see if it sparks something in others here. Is there any interest in video chats? Maybe a Video Chats for Sanity Club?

Expand full comment