Weird reaction to family gatherings. Is it just aging out as a Gen Xer?

Posted by Sense_Difficult@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 159 comments

I have this weird reaction when I see family gatherings like weddings or holidays. I notice it a lot when I watch movie trailers about these kinds of things. But, it also picks up around the Holidays when people talk about getting together with their families and extended families. I get anxiety but then it sort of ping pongs between anxiety and annoyance. Why so? Mostly because I don't believe that most families in general have the sort of bond, loyalty, love and support that they purport to have. I think in my entire life I've seen maybe two different families where I honestly thought it was sincere. Most other times I can see the inner workings and what goes on "behind the scenes" and so I often feel that people are being fake and creating this lie of the family bond that isn't there. I also wonder why people get so caught up with the idea that being related to people, creates a situation where they're supposed be bonding. I have obviously had cynical reactions in my birth family and two marriages where there was very little support of loyalty. (Although my second ex husband's family was one of the only ones I've seen that DID have that kind of true relationship.) Is this just a situation of being Gen X and "aging out" of the "fantasy" of a strong supportive family? Have other Gen Xers come to the same conclusion? Or do you find that as a Gen Xer you've seen the opposite of what I mean and have strong family bonds? Is it just me?