The holidays are a really special time of year when families reunite after spending time apart. These are the times that you and your family cherish for the rest of your lives. You laugh, you cry, and you spend time together. There's an overwhelming feeling of emotional warmth that usually comes with the holidays. Unless, of course, you're like me.

I'm "bad at emotions". Yeah, I've been in therapy for a long time. Yes, I have mental health issues. But I don't like the commotion that comes with my return home from college. I don't like the sentimental-ness of it all. It makes me uncomfortable. My family, on the other hand, is pretty mushy.

I try to humor them, but it doesn't always work too well. No professional has ever told me that I'm "bad at emotions", but these seven things happen to me every year around the holidays, and they make me uncomfortable every time. Maybe they happen to you, too.

1. "I'm so glad you're home!"

Whether my mom, dad, or a grandparent says this, I never know how to respond. Obviously, the *correct* response is "I'm glad, too!" or something of the like, I just feel uncomfortable saying it. Yeah, I'm glad that I'm home. But can I express that? Nah.

2. "I'm so happy to be spending time with you."

This one gets more uncomfortable as the situation gets more nonchalant. Sometimes, my family will just be watching TV when someone pipes up and says "I'm so happy to be spending time with you guys". That's really sweet. I wish I had an equally sweet response for you, but I probably don't. I'll probably just say "Same".

3. "I missed you!"

Okay, yes, I missed you, too. I just really don't know how to say those words without looking as uncomfortable as I feel.

4. The attack of the hugs

Families hug. It's just a thing that they do. Even if I say "I don't really like physical contact", it's still my family's love language. I get that, so I'm not offended. But I'm still uncomfortable.

5. Any physical contact, really

Physical contact isn't meant to make anyone uncomfortable, and I totally understand that. But as the "black sheep of physical contact" of my family, I'd rather just not be touched. I don't need you to put your arm around me to know that you love me.

6. Staring at me when you don't think I'm looking

Maybe society has ruined this for me. Maybe the "Get you a guy that looks at you like ___" memes have ruined this for me. Or maybe it makes me feel judged. Maybe it's just a combination. I don't know, but I do know that it makes me uncomfortable.

7. "I'm having a really good time."

Me too, probably. This isn't even something that requires me to express my emotions, but I still don't know how to respond.

Moral of the story: I'm really bad at expressing my emotions, but I'm glad to be home. And I love you, too.