Most Filipinos look forward to December.
It’s a time, after all, for families to gather together to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
However, many introverted remote workers also dread this season. (Did you not choose a remote job so you can limit human contact? Haha!)
While you may not necessarily hate your family members, any huge gathering of people can still be draining for any introvert. There are just too many things going on all at once that it can be hard to keep up.
So, let us help you. Here’s your survival guide to any upcoming Filipino holiday reunion.
Indulge in a Bit of Alcohol
I’m not saying you should drink till you black out. (Although, this can happen at some point during the reunion.)
However, drinking a little bit before heading to the reunion can help you loosen up.
It can also shake off your nerves, helping you feel less tense about meeting your relatives.
Offer to Take Everyone’s Photos
You can also position yourself as the event’s de facto photographer.
This way, you avoid having to interact with people you don’t want.
Plus, you prevent all those shots with awkward angles and blurry smiles.
Find Your Favorites
One way to have fun during Christmas reunions is to look for your favorite relatives.
Are you closer to certain cousins, nieces, or nephews?
Go sit with them instead of getting dragged into another heated political debate. (Or worse, the current state of your love life.)
Hanging out with your favorite relatives can make tense Filipino reunions more bearable.
Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke
So, take this as an opportunity to avoid any unpleasant encounters with your relatives.
After all, your family can’t bother you with their inane questions when you’re busy singing your heart out, now can they?
Prepare for the Those Awkward Questions
Ah, yes, those awkward questions our Filipino titas love to ask.
There are two ways to approach this: either prepare sarcastic answers beforehand or find a way to dodge them entirely.
Avoid Talking About Sensitive Subjects
These are topics like marriage, kids, and politics.
You and your relatives are bound to have varying (perhaps even conflicting) opinions on these matters.
More often than not, discussions about these subjects will lead to an argument.
So, steer clear of these topics to preserve your energy and peace of mind.
Consider Your Relationship Before Engaging in Debates
If you can’t avoid participating in controversial discussions, evaluate how close you are with said relative.
What will you gain if you engage them in a debate? Will they change their view on the matter?
If not, then you’re only wasting your time and energy. Not to mention, you might end up sabotaging your relationship with them.
Choose Your Battles Wisely During Holidays
You don’t have to engage with everyone at your annual Filipino holiday reunion.
Of course, you can and should still greet your grandparents, uncles, and aunts. However, don’t go out of your way to talk to them for longer than necessary—if you don’t really want to.
You’re only setting yourself up for potential arguments and ruined relationships.
Instead, you can choose where to focus your attention and have the most fun.
On that note, if you are an introvert and want to work with as little face-to-face interaction as possible, then head to Remote Staff’s job listings.
It’s always updated and has roles across multiple industries. Thus, you’re sure to find something that best fits your qualifications.
Remote Staff has also been in business for 16 years (and counting)! The company has given work-from-home opportunities to countless Filipino remote workers. As such, there’s no need for you to travel abroad to earn a competitive salary.
Want to start your remote work career? Register with us today!
