BY DANICE AKIYOSHI, N.D.
Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:
Dr. Danice Akiyoshi
My niece is having her wedding on a cruise ship. Over 20 people from our family are invited to join them on this cruise. My niece asked me if I would book the largest stateroom so I can babysit the youngest kids who aren’t old enough for the kids club. This way, everyone is free to drink and go to the casino late at night. I don’t drink or gamble very often, but that doesn’t mean I want the task of nightly babysitting. I want to have fun, too. Now I’m not looking forward to the trip at all. I would feel guilty if I cancelled. I already said I would go, and everyone just assumes I will babysit because I’m not as wild as they are. I feel like I’m not really a guest at all. What should I do?
-Auntie M.
Dear Auntie:
It’s time for a family meeting. Explain that you look forward to doing your part with the youngest members of the family in the evenings. Then present a schedule with the names of all the viable babysitters. Assign a night to each capable party or couple. They are free to switch and trade off if they like, but make it clear that you intend to enjoy yourself too, even if you don’t choose to drink and gamble. Do not feel guilty when you resist being taken advantage of. Have fun!
-Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.
Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.
