It’s the holiday season, which means that many of you will be celebrating what should be good times with your family members over course of the next month.

Unfortunately, for so many of us, the holidays represent a time of dread, because we know what awaits us. Family members who are difficult to deal with. And I’m not just talking about your uncle who is a little odd and your aunt who gets a little too tipsy.

I’m talking about toxic family members who seem to have this magic ability to ruin any family gathering. Toxic family members who make everyone else uncomfortable. Toxic family members who seem to not understand social clues and who are too stubborn to see or care about the chaos they’re creating.

Sometimes, this is closer to us than extended family members. It might be mom, dad, brother, sister, or your significant other.

If you’re dreading the holidays because of the presence of a toxic family member, here are 3 tips to keep in mind to help you deal with them and keep you emotionally safe during what should be a festive and joyful time of year.

1. Do not…