Do I Really Hate Family Reunions?

Hey.

I had to endure another gathering of the family this weekend. At these reunions, I find myself being asked questions I don't want to answer, subjected to stories about myself that I don't want told ever again, and asked to feign happiness when I'm my most depressed. I don't even look good (didn't get to shower or shave) and the folks wanted me to pose for photos. I don't like the food we serve at these "functions" either.

I don't want to hurt my family but there's only so much of this behavior I can take. What the hell am I supposed to do?

I know the immediate answer of the reader of this question--"Get DRUNK!" Problem with this solution is that I'm a teetotaller, but beyond that, there isn't anything alcoholically potable in this house, and by law I can't get any for the next ten hours at least.

No, I have to live with my pain. I've had to live with this situation for nearly four decades now, and it's too late to do anything about it.

FP