How to Make the Most of a Trip Home When You Don't See Your Family Often

glamour.com:

Will your inside jokes still be funny?) Maybe you haven’t caught everyone up on your latest career move and have no idea what their reaction will be.

Maybe you’re bringing home a new romantic partner to meet the whole crew at once. Maybe you’re not bringing home a partner and are bracing yourself for the onslaught of inquiries about why you haven’t settled down yet.

Or maybe you’re just really, really excited for someone else to cook you dinner every night.Visiting home after a long hiatus can sometimes feel equal parts joyful, comforting, and nerve-wracking.

That’s why step one in ensuring a great visit is to realize that feeling all the things while you’re packing is totally normal. “There's also sometimes a fear of being judged or criticized by family members, which can lead to anxiety about one's life choices or personal circumstances,” says Dr. , PsyD, neuropsychologist and founder of Comprehend the Mind in NYC.