Getting along on HOLIDAY
WHEN A RELAXING VACATION CAN BE ANYTHING BUT…
With couples and families planning to get away during the year and Christmas holiday season around the corner, tensions can start to build within the relationship dynamic. There’s something about coming to the year’s end that adds pressure onto couples of any age, and planning that much-needed trip after a hard few years (thanks COVID) doesn’t come without hiccups.
When looking forward to taking time off with a partner, we start to envision exactly what our holiday will look and feel like. Whether you’re planning to cruise the Mediterranean seas in the sun, or grab the ski poles and hit the slopes, we visualise how we want to experience the trip before we even step foot on a plane.
This is where the tensions begin, because of the expectations we are already building in our heads about how it should be. So how can we overcome the tension and skip to the good part?
UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY
It’s true that couples can fight more during holiday time together, which is unfortunate due to what’s supposed to be a relaxing, rejuvenating experience – as it turns out, the minor stresses that build up can cause us to boil over.
We are away from what’s familiar and comfortable, being in a new place is hard to navigate; things like not knowing the climate or how far you are from the tourist spots can throw us off our game … especially for those who love being in control. This is where you can practice letting go and know things have their way of working out.
DIFFERENT STYLES
Travelling with a partner makes you discover new things about them and about yourself. Something you should consider before your holiday is clashing travel styles; perhaps you’re the awake-at-6am type while your partner prefers a sleep in and slow start. This can throw off the itinerary and any day trips you want to take. Before your trip, discuss certain scenarios and how you’d both handle them.
Another issue on holiday can be your cadence; maybe you go with the flow but your partner is highly organised with a first-aid kit in their pocket. If this sounds like you, decide on a travel wish list that you both ‘Relaxing’ trips can sometimes cause tension.
enjoy; some days you can have a jam-packed itinerary, other days can be slow with no plans. Win-win!
ALWAYS THERE…
Though you’ve planned a trip together, having a bit of me time doesn’t hurt. Quality time is great, but you’re going to be in each other’s face every second of every day – much more than your daily lives – and start to get irritated. Remember to schedule in alone time; it can be as simple as doing a solo hike, enjoying your own company at a cafe, or shopping. When you’re back together, give each other full attention and be more appreciative of the company you share. After all, distance makes the heart grow fonder!
For more love and relationship advice, follow Dr Lurve on Instagram at @dr.lurve