I hate my parents

[youarewhatyousheep]

My parents are really something else.
When at a party, many of the adults were singing but none of the kids really wanted to. We were all socialising and having conversations when my dad came upstairs and told us to come down to listen to music being played. When I politely declined my dad suddenly lost it and grounded my brother and I then and there right in front our friends and cousins. Then we came downstairs and they peer pressured me and my bro to sing a song, a song we neither fully knew the words to nor were comfortable singing in front of everybody. They kept bugging us and got up and told everyone that we were going to sing a song. We tried to brush it off but then everyone started chanting our names. We got so embarrassed in front of 100 people but we couldn't do anything except smile and shake our heads whilst looking at the floor. Then we got double grounded while my dad gave my playstation to my younger cousins. How do I deal with them and this embarrassment?

[Chris]

Hey there.

Well I can relate to your situation. Every holiday in my family we have a get-together where we all hang out, play poker/other card games, and sometimes it gets so intense that we dance and sing. Now when I was a bit younger I hated it. My family would practically make me do things like sing/dance and I never was into that. However, when I was 15, I brought a female "friend" over, and warned her my family is crazy. Once the dancing and signing started, she actually took there side and told me to lighten up, and she danced and sang without me. I really took that to heart. Why do I always have to be so serious? Who is going to judge me? It's my family, not like a group of complete strangers. So now, when my family gets crazy, instead of being the outcast of the family, and isolating myself, I just join in. Why not? It's good to loosen up once in awhile.

As said before, I know how embarrassing it is. If you feel that you're able to (and comfortable with) dancing and singing, then I would say go for it (or atleast try it)! But if you truly do not feel comfortable singing or dancing, I'd urge you to sit down with your parents (when no one else is around) and tell them (in a non-aggressive way) that you felt extremely uncomfortable with the whole situation. Remember, Communication is key.


Best wishes,
Chris