Beware! The holiday season is usually a stressful time for marital relationships. Here are a few coaching tips to maintain joy to your world...
Beware! The holiday season is usually a stressful time for marital relationships. Here are a few coaching tips to maintain joy in your world...
1. Be intentional. Start talking about the things that stress you out with each other! Is it where are you going to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's? Is it who will be present at the event? Is it what you have to bring? Is it the topics that will be discussed? Talk through them, decide what your boundaries are, and how you will handle each one to the best of your ability.
2. Be understanding. Especially if you don't know the people in attendance or you haven't seen people for a while, take it slowly and do more listening than talking. You will make everyone feel more comfortable which reduces the stress level. Some people are more passionate about things or topics than others; therefore, be ready to graciously and lightly change the topics to reduce guests feeling uncomfortable. Everyone will appreciate it.
3. Be united. This is the key to thriving through the holidays! The more you can preempt possible stressors, the more you will enjoy the holidays. Be sure to discuss and figure out ways to best handle situations that could come up before each event. Come up with word or hand signals and escape strategies. Even if you don't use them, you'll go into each event prepared with a smile!
Being with family and friends during the holidays is great, but reducing stress and potential friction between the two of you is your number one goal! Work on these coaching tips; being intentional, understanding, and united, because it is your secret to having a happy holiday and holidays to come!
Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
From Coach Glen & Jazzed Up Marriages!