Family gatherings are often seen as joyful occasions filled with laughter, food, and shared memories. Yet not everyone looks forward to them. Some people regularly decline invitations, skip family functions, or limit interactions with relatives. To outsiders, this behavior may appear rude, selfish, or antisocial.
Psychology says the explanation is often more complex. Avoiding relatives does not automatically mean someone dislikes their family. Research suggests that people may distance themselves from family gatherings for reasons related to emotional well-being, personality, past experiences, social anxiety, or healthy boundary-setting.
