Couples’ Survival Tips for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the greatest holidays in the year. All you have to do is come together with family and friends, eat, share, and give thanks. Sometimes, though, the gathering of friends and family is stressful for couples. Meeting family expectations without neglecting or ignoring your partner can be difficult. Below are tips to help you and your partner feel supported and appreciated.
If you’re traveling, keep the mood light. Depending on whose family you’re visiting, going home can be stressful. With the additional stress of family pressure, you may be reliving childhood memories or past Thanksgivings with loved ones no longer here today. It’s best for couples to be extra understanding and forgiving. Keeping your sense of humor helps, too.
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, make sure you share the work load. No one can do it alone; when one partner abandons the other to do the cooking, cleaning, and hosting, it causes resentment and hostility.
If your partner is meeting new family this year, prep them with names and topics to avoid. This helps you avoid awkward silences and unnecessary drama.
Plan time away from family. Couples need time away from their extended family to relax, talk about family situations, and debrief. This also helps you feel more like a team.
Get exercise. Exercise is a great stress reliever and helps you feel less guilty about binging on the pumpkin pie.
Compromise and thank each other. The most important aspect of the holidays is sharing and being grateful. At the end of the day, focus more on what’s best for your relationship and less on what’s best for you.
It’s a sad fact that most of us don’t hear how much we’re appreciated until it’s too late. When you’re celebrating your blessings this year, don’t forget to turn to your partner and say, “thank you.” Little things mean the most.