Anxious about family visiting.

I live clear on the other side of the country and my grandparents are coming to visit next week and I’m getting very anxious about it.

They basically raised me and I love them very much but we don’t really have the same lifestyles.

My grandparents are extremely religious people which I respect. They’re die hard Christians and I’m into the pagan religion. Every time they visit I make a point to hide the things that they would find offensive because they’re my grandparents and I love them and I want them to feel comfortable in my home.

But last time they came to visit I accidentally left one of my Wicca books out and my grandpa got really upset about it and said that my daughter wasn’t safe because of the things I do in this house which offended me.

I did my best to make my home comfortable for them and I accidentally left one little book out and all of a sudden my daughter isn’t safe in her own home?

Since my anxiety has gotten so much worse over the past few months I’m afraid how I’ll react if he says something to me again this visit.

😕

[RAYOFHOPE88]

The fact that your grandparents are coming to visit after the initial incident shows that their love is unconditional. You all may not have to same beliefs but it seems like there is still a strong bond. I see why you'd feel anxious but try to think on the bright side 🤗. You're an adult and I'm sure that you're a wonderful mother. You deserve to live your life in anyway that makes you happy 😁.

[Hidden in reply to RAYOFHOPE88]

Thank you, that means so much 🙏🏻

That’s great advice 🖤

[RAYOFHOPE88 in reply to Hidden]

You're welcome ☺. Anytime 😁

[AZ1970]

I can see how this could be challenging. You are very loving to put items away while your grandparents visit. My grandfather was a preacher so I would have to take down all of my Michael Jackson and Duran Duran posters when they visited. Their values and ideals were very different than my parent's. I still grew up in a Christian church. I am not at all defending your grandfather's comment. But just know that his beliefs are based on the indoctrination he has been exposed to. His comment comes out of love and concern. Perhaps if he brings it up you can say something like, "I appreciate how concerned you are for our well-being, it shows me how much you care and love us." If he inquires more, you can tell him you don't want to spend the time you have with them debating differences.

I hope your visit goes well. Chances are you will be able to know how to handle anything that comes up. Your anxiety is lying to you and telling you otherwise.

[Hidden in reply to AZ1970]

That’s a really good way to respond. Thank you very much.

I know he means well 🖤

[defyinggravity]

hello!I think that in this case your anxiety arises because you think that,in some way, you may lose your grandparents love or approval because of you different lifestiles.true love doesn't work that way, true lovers love you the way you are through good and hard times.try to reach a balance in comprehension of both sides of the story.i agree with previous comments:you are a great woman,be proud of yourself and confident you need just yourself approval.

[Hidden in reply to defyinggravity]

Thank you very much 🖤

[APOR2017]

I am sorry about how you are feeling. It sounds like their visit means they really care about and love you and your daughter. Just be as receptive and respectful as you expect them to be and take it moment by moment. You are so loved and so many people do not have that. I also think it is really sweet that you are taking measures to make them feel comfortable in your home. I think your visit will go just wonderfully. I hope that you can enjoy the process leading up to it and the visit itself. I wish you the best!

[Hidden in reply to APOR2017]

Thank you so much for your kind words 🖤🙏🏻