Fed Financial - Holidays bring out the worst in some family members why?

Holidays bring out the worst in some family members why?

My uncle said he has some financial issues. I called him to give him some info on a reverse mortgage, also sent him a link to the wedsite. He was ok with that. He then said he just sprang for a $1500 HDTV on sale from $2500. (financial issues)? He said he was getting a HD cable converter box, and cable bill will increase $9 a month. I did not bring up the financial issues. I did say that as more stations begin to upgrade their equipment to broadcast in HDTV, eventually the box may not be needed. He went off on me yelling that I sounded like someone from a different planet, and that he was so upset that he won't be able to go to sleep, then slammed the phone down! He had yelled at me last year July 4th when we met him, and my aunt on vacation at the beach when he could not locate the hotel (2 blocks from where he was lost even though written, specific directions were given). He hungup on me then as well, after I told him to just drive to the end of the road. Any thoughts? He's always referred to himself, adult children, and wife as being stupid and complained about how all of their stupid mistakes have caused a lot of grief. He was an airline pilot with a college degree. Guess he just does not care anymore. Sad thing.

Public Comments

Sounds like he gets angry whenever he feels stupid like he got lost even though you'd given him directions that he'd lost and he felt like an idiot maybe cos he didn't know about the HDTV thing. Most people can't handle when they do silly things especially if they try hard not to.
sorry he such a jerk,you sound like a wonderful person i would just ignore his stupidness, and be the bigger person he sound like he needs anger mangement
He may always have been tactless, but is dementia out of the question?
Sounds like you aren't doing anything wrong and that he needs counceling to me! maybe some anger management courses will work
That is sad. He is an unhappy man with anger management issues. Does he drink? Well I wonder why you feel you need to get involved with his finances? I mean most people do not speak with their uncle about that subject and I think you will be better off if you stay away from the subject especially if he is having financial problems. He may want you to lend him money later on. Try distancing yourself. You dont need your holidays ruined like that-you deserve better. To answer your initial question, I dont know the answer but holidays become pivotal points for all of the family memories, dynamics, power plays and resentment to surface and its not a good thing. Reading this site confirms it with all the statements and questions about how to solve these problems. I hope you can plan your holiday next month to be serene and without this uncle.Best wishes
I don't think it's the holidays. Your uncle sounds like a year round person with some major issues. You can probably assume he is living for the moment and way beyond his means: buying a new TV was more important that putting that towards solving his money issues? He obviously doesn't want to hear the truth from you or from anyone else. You are from another planet, his wife is stupid...what else can he come up with to explain his misery. I think you should think twice before you try to help him. I know you were trying to help but he apparently has all the answers. He sounds like many people in this world I encounter...just another miserable person, going around taking it out on others trying to make them miserable, too. I don't think it's you. You've been the best niece you can be. If he yells at you again, try to tell him the next time you talk that you don't have a clue why he chooses to be so mean to you when you are nothing but nice to him. Being related sometimes gives people the impression they can treat you how they want. After all, "you are family". That is SO not the case. I had a very similar situation with my aunts who I no longer speak to because they treated me so poorly. I was tired of being talked about behind my back, lied to and shown disrespect. Just because their brother is my father doesn't give them the right to upset me the way they did. I guess you are not quite to that point but don't let anyone take advantage of your kindness, even an uncle. You'll be proud of youself.