I hate family gatherings. I hate them with the fire of a thousand suns. I don't really like most members of my extended family and I have no relatives my age. The time is mostly spent justifying my existence to older relatives and hoping that younger relatives don't talk to me.

My great aunt has been particularly bothering me lately. My life is apparently completely worthless because I'm not pursuing a career in law. She also wants me to break up with my girlfriend because she's not a Jew.

Needless to say, I need to calm myself after these terrible experiences. Oftentimes, music plays a role in this process. The latest piece of music that has settled my nerves has been Scriabin's Etude in D-sharp minor. This piece is all payoff. Give it a listen.