The holidays can be notoriously stressful on relationships. Couples with busy schedules have to balance multiple and sometimes conflicting commitments. There are presents to buy, decorations to hang, and parties to attend or plan. It’s supposed to be fun, but often times it can lead to unnecessary pressure on your relationship. However, holiday stress is a choice and the good news is, you can take steps to help avoid some of those negative situations. Here is some holiday relationship advice that you can use protect your relationship from holiday stress and create positive traditions for you and your partner.
Relationship Advice to Make it through the Holidays
MAKE TIME FOR JUST YOU TWO TO CELEBRATE AND CREATE YOUR OWN TRADITIONS
The holidays can be such a special time to start creating traditions of your own while also celebrating some old traditions with your partner. Even if you come from similar backgrounds (or especially if you don’t) your holiday traditions can end up being very different. Have a conversation with your partner about your own holiday traditions and express your respective feelings about the real meaning of the holidays in order to come up with special traditions of your own this year.
LEARN TO SAY NO TO A SITUATION THAT IS TRIGGERING
Sometimes it can be hard to say no to certain situations, especially around the holidays. You want to spend quality time with family and friends, but if you know that a situation is going to cause tension or issues in your relationship, know that it’s ok to pass. In the end, it’s better to politely opt out of a triggering situation then to add more stress and tension to your relationship.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY, CALL A TIME OUT AND TALK ABOUT IT
If you do end up in a tough situation, not talking about it will just let those negative emotions simmer and fester. Share how you’re feeling with your partner, even if it’s a tough conversation. In the end, they are there to help support and listen to you. So, don’t hold everything in if something is bothering you. Take a second to privately share how you’re feeling and then make a plan to move forward together.
START PLANNING EARLY
If you know that the holidays might add some stress to your relationship, start planning a little earlier this year. Plan out when you’ll spend time with family and when you will spend time just the two of you as an important holiday relationship tip. Plan out which holiday parties you both want to attend and which ones you can skip this year. The less you leave up to chance, the more likely you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays with your significant other stress-free.
IT MIGHT BE A LITTLE AWKWARD, BUT TALK ABOUT GIFT GIVING EXPECTATIONS
Nothing is worse than spending hours choosing the perfect gift for your significant other and receiving a somewhat lackluster gift in return. Let’s be honest, even if we think they know us well, our partner isn’t a mind reader. Expectations and boundaries for gift giving need to be made clear so no one’s feelings are hurt. It isn’t romantic or sexy, but trust me, it’s worth it.
I hope you enjoyed this holiday relationship advice to make it through the holidays with ease! Setting gift-giving expectations and don’t know what to get? Check out my other gift guides below to help find the perfect thing for your significant other!
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