Ask Amy: Exhausted caregiver deserves some respite
Hang out for a few days around the holiday to enjoy your family time and then – go away!
You could then come back around to pick them up. Or, yes, let one of your sisters bring them home and stay with them for a few days (or weeks!).
If doing this will lead you to torture yourself, then don’t do it, but this is what you must tell yourself (because it’s true): If you don’t take good care of yourself, you will NOT be able to take good care of your folks.
Respite is vital, and it benefits everyone.
Dear Amy: My spouse is adamant that another couple should join us for our summer vacation; I do not want this.
I like them and enjoy visits with them, but their vacation interests are very different than ours, and so spending a week together on a daily basis is not my idea of fun.
My spouse knows my views and the reasons behind them but is still insistent that they join us.
The only solution I can think of is no vacation.
Can you think of another solution?
– Hurting
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