Uh oh. Guess I can't avoid my family forever

[TZ]

I just got in the mail an invitation to my step-brothers wedding in November. I really like my stepbrother (he's a very cool guy- wish I could meet someone like him) but this means I have to go to Ohio (500 miles from me) and deal with my family. I can't really afford to go by plane and stay by myself, I really need to see if I can travel with someone but 8 hours in a car with either sister or BIL is probably a recipe for trouble. I think my stepmother would have her feelings hurt if I didn't go and I don't want to do that. Sigh. Advice? Outside of popping valium constantly?:shrug:

[mopinko]

1. fwiw

i really can't take my family any more. there are a few i miss, but even the ones i don't mind are still painful to see. i don't want to answer their questions about how the kids are and all. i feel judged and found lacking when i talk to my perfect suburban mom sisters.
i find i can live without them. so, i have just really avoided them since shortly after my mom passed. they don't bother to invite me to much any more. since i don't show up when they do, the invites are even less frequent. it works for me.