1,101 — Problems Getting Along With Family

Do your family parties look like boxing matches? Then you’ll enjoy this episode about getting along with your family members.
Slow dialog: 1:14
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialog: 14:37
Oscar: So you’re back from your mother’s birthday dinner. How was it?
Priscilla: Same old, same old. It isn’t a family gathering without a major meltdown or blowup.
Oscar: Yikes, what happened?
Priscilla: You know how it is. It starts out with bickering and somebody taking offense at some slight or dig, or bringing up some old grievance.
Oscar: Well, that happens in most families.
Priscilla: Yeah, but in mine, they often turn into screaming matches. We all raise our voices and somebody always storms out.
Oscar: Even at your mother’s birthday dinner?
Priscilla: The occasion doesn’t matter. My mother tries to be the peacemaker, but it doesn’t take much for tempers to flare.
Oscar: That never happens in my family.
Priscilla: What?! Your family doesn’t fight when it gets together?
Oscar: No, we try to sweep things under the rug and put on a brave face.
Priscilla: What happens when you get mad at each other?
Oscar: Nothing.
Priscilla: What do you mean nothing?
Oscar: A lot of our family meals are eaten in stony silence.
Priscilla: Wow, I think I prefer our knock-down, drag-out fights!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse