Testing the family mettle

It’s Christmas. A family gathers around the table and in a few seconds an argument erupts. The story unfolds until the father calms the waters by announcing he is dying. Silence. It is one of the many stories going around the social networks but it does serve to illustrate that family gatherings areat times sources of tension regarding past, present and future, and in fact, we should be prepared.

Our society at present is a little tired of political polarisation and in the midst of an electoral hangover and that could raise its head around the table. However the challenge of coping, experts say, is recognising that there was a previous problem. But there are solutions: irony, detachment, empathy, patience, and finding a way to clothe all of this in a great deal of affection.

Sociologist Francisco Nunez is convinced that except in very specific situations, people knowhow to behave and tend to avoid fights but we need to be aware that if we do not make the effort it can be “very difficult to reverse the situation and restore the previous balance.”

The anthropologist Jordi Moreras sees the situation as an opportunity to “ send a message to politicians to say that they are the people responsible for this situation.” Psychologist Sara Berbel says awareness and respect between people who love each other should be key, despite their differences.

Some may choose to avoid issues, however philosopher Norbert Jubany believes such an attitude can accentuate tension and it is better “to talk about everything and not consider anything to be taboo.” And if all else fails? Then change the subject, take refuge in jokes, health problems and old family battles.