Dear Life Kit: Is a recital really more important than my wedding?

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."You do not have to disclose all of your life information to these people. This is a big family gathering. You'd like to think that this is not a deposition about what's gone on in your past. Share as little information as you need to. You don't need to tell them that you're estranged if they're just asking where your family is from. If they express interest in what you do with your family or when you hang out or they say, "When are we going to meet them?" You can then turn around and say, "Actually I'm not in touch with my family at the moment." Keep it brief and keep it light.

I would also recommend that you express some of the anxiety that you have about attending this gathering to your partner so that they can be of support to you as well."