Celebrating the holidays can be both a joyous and sometimes stressful time for couples.
So how can you stress less, Portland? Kate Davis, a professional counselor with Couples Clinic of Portland, shares how to deal with common holiday stressors.
Financial stress + setting boundaries with family
Davis says if you anticipate an issue, start talking about it now, don’t wait until the stressor surfaces.
She recommends creating a list of separate + shared values and realistic resources related to anticipated activities or decisions.
Celebrating different holidays
Intercultural couples may find themselves adrift if their holidays occur at different times and with different meanings. Couples who stay curious and open to their partners’ traditions will find extra intimacy in sharing and may find ways to honor each person’s experience.
Discuss each other’s experiences around the holidays and create a plan that will ultimately bring you closer in the long run, says Davis.
Supporting a partner experiencing grief
Grief manifests in many different ways. Davis recommends talking to your partner about how you can support them, whether it’s taking on more household responsibilities, being there to share memories about a lost loved one, or giving them space. Book a free consultation with Kate.
