Family Reunion Saturday...Nervous!

Hi guys...just needing some encouragement for this weekend.  I am going to my family reunion.  I missed last year's, the first one I have ever missed, so this is the first time I have seen most of my family in two years.  Only one aunt knows I had surgery and she only knows because she is a worrywart and kept asking why I had not been to see her...we are very close and I felt she needed to know that I would soon be much healthier.   I have this aunt, by marriage, who has always treated most of my family, me included, as second class citizens.  She is the kind who has to have the best of everything and if you don't have the same, she doesn't have the time for you.  I had my daughter the same year as her grandaughter was born and she even treats my child like she is second class.  Only a couple of members of my family can stand her, and we have seriously tried!  She only pays attention to one of my cousins and only because that particular cousin has money.  Anyway, last year, my uncle called everyone to tell them he had a surprise for them.  Turns out, she had lost 80 pounds and he couldn't wait to show her off...that's fine, I totally, OF COURSE, understand that, but then he produces a preacher to renew their vows at the reunion of all places.  I wasn't there but I heard there was a lot of eye rolling going on!  I also heard that she even went around to everyone and said things like "don"t I look good"...and so on.   Well, this woman doesn't bother me anymore, not like when I was younger.  Let's face it, I look pretty good now too I think...even if I am tooting my own horn.  But here is where my nervousness comes in.  I know this woman and if someone is stealing her thunder, she goes for blood.  Now, I am not trying to sound conceited but I was the girl born after my parents lost both daughters in a devastating flood so I was the spoiled baby for a very long time.  Not spoiled materially but in love...a good way!  So I know that my family is going to be through the roof happy when they see me and I know it will eat this aunt up...so I also know her regular MO will come out.  She will be catty, cutting, and do anything to bring me down.   I need encouragement not to let this woman rain on my parade.  I know the intelligent thing to do is ignore her, but you guys don't know how vicious she can be.  Melinda, I know you have a similar aunt...any words of wisdom? Any ideas are highly appreciated!  Sorry such a long post but you had to know the background to understand.

Hi Kym,  I hope you have a great time and don't have to deal with this woman too much!  Don't have much advice, except to avoid her and just revel in your awesome accomplishment.  You know that the rest of your family is going to be thrilled for you.  Surround yourself in their love and affection and keep her at a distance.  Be safe, have fun and let us know how it goes! ~~Elena

honey, STRUT YOUR STUFF! YOU EARNED IT!!!!  Go with your head held high and shoe miss togood that you are better than any remark or snippit she can or could make.  Be good or bad, but strut your stuff.  Have fun, look forward to hearing how things go. Beth

You go girl. You will be the center of attention. If, the auntie tries to give you a hard time it is because she is jealous. Have fun with it, Ellen

Kym,  You have done so well and you deserve all the complimets and attention I am you are sure to receive. You look FABULOUS!!! I would not worry about your aunt by marraige people like her are the ones who have self esteem issues and have to tear others down to make them selves feel good. Just Remember that she is no better than you, in fact you are a better person because you are sweet, kind caring and considerate and have  a lot of compassion which are values that are worth much more than wealth or fame. You should be so proud of your accomplishments and I would not let anything she says or does bother you. Just be yourself and have fun!! Wishing you all the best !!! Juanita

Hi Kym! My only advise is to not let her win by letting her bring you down and ruining your reunion. You just have to go an enjoy yourself and have a blast with your family. I know it is easier said than done to say Don't let her get to you. But do your best not to. Because by her seeing that you are enjoying yourself and that she can not bring you down, you have won. Keep your head high. You have earned it. I hope you have a fantastic time!  Misty

KYM. first off HUGS I think we all have someone like that in our family extended family..... I will be praying for you, Praying that everything will go smooth and this woman will not cause trouble. Enjoy yourself hunny. SHOW off your new body....you have worked hard for it.      YOU CAN DO ITTTTTTTTTT Annrenee

Kym, I really hate people like this, they take all the air out of a room when they enter.  I think I would do a little role reversal on her, because she sounds like one of those people who would say "Oh, you took the easy way out".  I would look her straight in the eye and say, "Yea right, I took the easy way out, but DAMN don't I look good."  Just be very positive, kindness is the best revenge.  Anyway, you have a great time and I will pray for her to have laryengitis  (sp) so she can't talk and arthritis in her hands so she can't write what she wants to say.

Kymmie, Be the diva that you are and put that woman in her place.  ONce and for all.  Speak your mind and tell her to get out of your way.  I know with family you want to keep the peace, but someone needs to confront this woman.  Or other generations will have to deal with her.  wait until she opens her mouth and then nail her to the wall.  With your new found confidence and hot looks, she will be stupified.  If she says easy way out, turn around with your knowledge and educate her.  And then tell her she is going to have to find another way to make herself feel better than ripping others down. Woo, I guess I am in a mood.  IF you need me to go, call me and I will take care of her.  I have a lot of work frustrations to work out.  LOL!!!

GIRL get out there and steal every bit of thunder you can! And have fun doing it!  You look, feel and ARE great!