Crucial points to consider when coming home from vacation

When you come back from a vacation, it’s important to remember the need for empathy. Many friends, loved ones, or colleagues might have had to stay at home due to financial constraints, health issues, or work commitments, even though they might have been in desperate need of a few days away from home.

As a Catholic, you can lean on the values of compassion, humility, and gratitude to help guide your actions and words. And by being considerate and mindful, you honor these values and show respect and love for those around you.

By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure that your return from vacation is joyous and caring of others. (You might want to point out a few of them to your kids, who might not master the same level of diplomacy!)

While it’s natural to be excited about your recent adventures, constantly talking about your vacation can make others feel left out or envious, especially if they couldn’t afford to travel or had to stay home for various reasons.

Instead, share your experiences modestly and be mindful of the feelings of those around you. It might be better to follow the cues of those you're talking to, and share more in-depth details if asked. Whatever you do, don't state the "oh, you must go there!" especially if it's costly or just unobtainable for others.

Avoid constantly comparing your daily life to the vacation spot you just visited -- especially in a negative context. Statements like "this croissant isn't as good as the one I had in Paris" or "I miss the beaches in Mexico" can come across as insensitive to those who haven't had similar experiences.

While it’s fine to post a few highlights, flooding your social media with numerous vacation photos can seem boastful. Consider sharing a curated selection that is more meaningful and maybe even educational. It can be lovely to travel vicariously through others and learn more about a culture if the person sharing is pointing out interesting details.

Remember that while you were on vacation, others may have been dealing with work, personal challenges, or family responsibilities. Show empathy and interest in their lives by asking about their experiences in the time you were away and offer support where needed.

Don't forget to express gratitude for the opportunity to travel and the experiences you’ve had. Acknowledging how blessed you are can help you stay humble and considerate of those who may not have the same opportunities.

Hard though this may be, upon returning, it’s important to quickly get back into the rhythm of daily responsibilities and commitments. This shows respect for your work, family, and community, who may have covered for you or taken on extra tasks during your absence.

Avoid comments that might unintentionally belittle others’ experiences, such as, “You should have gone to Paris instead of the local beach.” Appreciate and respect the choices and circumstances of others.