5 Ways to Prevent Holiday Heartache in Your Relationship
When you think about all that has to be done around the holidays, it’s easy to see why couples have more relationship stress than usual. There are parties to plan, gifts to buy, celebrations to attend. Sleep and sex are probably low on the list. High expectations for the perfect holiday, the most delicious meal, the greatest family celebration set us up for a letdown.And there are all kinds of decisions to make: who and when to visit, how much money to spend, who to get gifts for, which parties to attend. The potential for conflicting demands, miscommunication, disappointment and disagreement are great.Here are 5 ways to prevent holiday heartache in your relationship:
- Take on the challenge as a team – Communicate and plan together. Talk about how you can support each other when entertaining or in family situations.
- Set realistic expectations - the “wished for” holiday remember is never the way we imagine; so lower your expectation and when things don’t go according to plan, ask your partner for a hug and breathe.
- Respect each others needs – Listen and be supportive of each other without having to be right.
- Manage conflict - instead of conflicts coming between the two of you, write the conflict down and solve it as a team.
- Consciously connect – Do the little connecting things through the day e.g. giving hugs, checking in with each other during your celebrations.
We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas about ways to prevent holiday heartache on our Facebook page.http://www.facebook.com/RelationshipsWorkPageWe wish you and your family a warm and wonderful holiday!!Lori and Bob Hollander
Lori Hollander, LCSW-C, BCD, and Bob Hollander, LCSW-C, JD, are licensed counselors and co-founders of Relationships Work, an innovative therapy practice and online resource center that gives couples 360 degrees of support for extraordinary partnerships. Sign up for Radical Relationships, a monthly eZine from Relationships Work, and receive Why Take the Journey to Extraordinary? absolutely free.