The Strain, The Holiday Season, Puts On Your Relationship
Are you prepared for the holiday season?
Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year for relationships. There are more divorces after the Christmas holidays than at any other time of year, but you can avoid problems if you prepare yourself before.
The problem with Christmas is that we spend two weeks at home and not at work.
Instead, we spend the time seeing family that we only see at Christmas & funerals etc.
We don’t know these people, and often apart from being family, we have very little in common with them if it weren’t because they are family we would not choose to be friends with them.
On top of this, the fact that wives want everything to be perfect, the home, cooking, presents etc. and then have the husbands at home with nothing to do for two weeks, so they are bored.
All these things added together spell disaster for many relationships.
Now is the time to sit down with your partner, discuss the forthcoming festive holidays, see if you can identify and problem areas, and consider how you can help each other through these problematic areas.
Taking time to communicate now will be easier than repairing a broken relationship after the holiday.
HoH’s you need to note the areas your TIH has said she struggles with, see if you can help lighten her load during the holidays, work together so that you both have time to enjoy the holidays and relax. Agree, on any special rules for Christmas and agree the punishments should the rules get broken.
You must be consistent from the start and stay consistent with all the house rules, even on special days if rules are broken punishments have to be given no matter what the day is.
TIH’s do not be afraid to ask your HoH for help; you will not fail them by asking for help. Accept his aid when he offers but remember to be respectful at all times and do not forget to be grateful for the extra support given. The holidays are for both partners to enjoy the free time but do not be lazy by expecting him to do more of your work than agreed. Excessive alcohol consumption at Xmas can lead to lots of trouble, be careful you do not drink too much if you know your behaviour deteriorates with drinking then drink more soda. You do not want to embarrass your HoH or end up being disrespectful. Your HoH will not want to punish you, and it will spoil his Christmas if he has too.
Remember to communicate and discuss your thoughts and concerns before they become problems
