Don't Hold Your Breath!

If a person hasn't changed in twenty or more years, he or she isn't likely to now. (The exception, of course, is you!)

Don't waste time torturing your parents or other family members about why you're angry, how they hurt you, etc., etc. Resolve to make the most of your remaining time together.

How?

1) See the first sentence of this post, and give up expectations that are unlikely to be met.

2) Live in "the now." If you must bring up a conflict for discussion, keep to a recent one. Try, "I'd rather you wouldn't say things like that," instead of, "You're always saying that!"

3) Make a sincere effort to understand the other person's point of view, even if you don't agree with it.

4) A little pretense can go a long way. Act as if you're happy to have a conversation, and you will be.

5) Keep interactions brief, if possible. Spending a day or more together can tax your patience.