Relationship Advice Will Help You Avoid Arguments During The Holidays
Everyone in a relationship could use some relationship advice about being nice right now. We’ve all got our differences, and the mood is both hopeful and divided on many issues. Yes, relationships are really strained at this time of the year. Domestic violence is a a real health issue. The CDC says that 20 people are abused every minute, and offers prevention advice. Family get-togethers with expectations for joy when some members are sober and some drinking heavily can lead to disappointments and emotional disasters.
Relationship Advice: First be safe
If you or one of your family members is in an unsafe relationship, greater precautions are needed. Emotional abuse is an unwelcome guest at of every family gathering where there is Substance Use Disorder (addiction). And substance use rose during in the pandemic and people are still drinking more. Did you know there are 27 million adult children of parents with Alcohol or Substance Use Disorders in the United States?
And there are some 6 million children under the age of 18 living in homes where there is an alcohol or substance use problem. Yet, we don’t always acknowledge and cope effectively, which leads so many families to feel hopeless and helpless. If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned please tell your friends and relatives and seek help. Al-anon can get you started. I
Relationship Advice When Family Gathers
This is probably one of the biggest issues for people who host during the holidays. For people who work from home, having a crowd around when you don’t have time off is a real problem. Suddenly we are trying to conduct business with dogs barking, doorbells ringing, children needing things and meals for a crowd to organize. It can get tricky! Here are three good solutions for this one.
- If you are low on space, create one quiet, working location and share or not. Boundaries help here.
- Create “quiet hours” where everyone in the house needs to be playing games or watching movies quietly.
- Keep it moving. Mix up your tasks and ask for help throughout the day to avoid feeling alone and overwhelmed.
- When working keep distractions low and focus centered.
Relationship Advice: Make A Responsibilities Schedule
Whether it’s human, furry, fluffy, or feathered, creatures we create or own are a big responsibility! Many families are not figuring out the homeschooling situation while also working themselves. This is STRESSFUL. If you have a partner, this is the time to create a schedule to share the work. If you need help and have the means, hire someone to support you during the holidays.
Whether it’s a dog walk, or a couple hours of childcare, getting some support is crucial. If that’s not possible, then it’s critical to create a schedule that incorporates the dependents’ needs AND yours! Don’t forget about your own work or self care.
The schedule is really important. If you or your partner cannot keep to a schedule of tasks during the holidays, this shouldn’t become a relationship issue. Not everybody is good at managing time. If you get involved with your work or a business call gets in the way, you may be late. The best relationship advice is be flexible and go with the flow.
Relationship Advice To Keep Romance Alive
There’s nothing less sexy than spending 24/7 under stressful conditions like holidays, being stick or having to spend non-stop party with relatives you may not love. Few of us are able to schedule a date night during holidays! However, relationships need to be nurtured. Especially now. So, get creative.
- Do nice things Here is an example: My friend Alex was having a bad day and her fiancee took on a holiday meal for her and her family.
- You can take a walk or have a little picnic with your partner.
- Cuddle and hug each other. Touch is comforting and shows the love.
- Board games and puzzles can relieve the tension if you have a lot of people around. Immerse yourself in something new. Try cooking together.
- Make time to have pleasant experiences together such as an unplanned kiss. Back to love. You need it.
- Have someone watch the kids or animals for a couple hours and just relax together.
Relationship Advice About Arguing
It’s almost impossible not to have squabbling about one thing or many things during the holiday. We all get snappy and grumpy when there’s a lot to do, and it’s easy to point the irritability at whomever is closest. But is arguing your habit? That’s something to think about. But if it’s just the difficult situation, try and remember to take into account how your partner is feeling. Here are some tips for easing the tension and getting out of the habit of arguing about every little thing, which can escalate into rage and even violence.
- You don’t always have to have the last word.
- Pick and choose your battles. Some things are not worth arguing about.
- Listen instead of arguing. Your partner may have something important to say.
- Be mindful of how your behavior is affecting everyone else.
- Put yourself in their shoes.
- Take a break. Go into the other room.
- Don’t add drugs and alcohol into the mix.
- Be compassionate. Everyone is suffering.
- Try ending an argument by saying “You may be right.”
- Take a moment before you react.
- Don’t argue in front of your children and animals.
More Articles To Read About Relationship Advice During The Holidays
How To Be Single, Sober And Happy On The Holidays
Holiday Boundaries For New Viruses
5 Tips For A Stress-Free Holiday Season
How To Manage Holiday Family Resentments