Getting Along with In-Laws this Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—even if this means paying a visit to the dreaded in-laws. Though the holiday season brings a unique spirit of compassion and love, it can also be a time for arguments and extreme tension. Though marriage therapy can help couples who do not see eye to eye, visiting the in-laws might add to the unnecessary stress of the holiday season.

Heading over to the in-law’s place in Bountiful, Utah, may be one of your worst nightmares. Whatever the reason may be, some spouses simply do not get along well with their in-laws. Although this strained relationship may cause martial problems, it’s important to understand that not everybody can overcome these clashes of personality. However, it’s beneficial to try and create a painless holiday season for all involved.

Finding ways to get along with the in-laws may seem impossible, but with the right mindset and planning, everyone can welcome in the new year with smiles. When deciding where to go for the holidays, make a firm decision after discussing multiple options with your partner. Find a solution that matches both your needs and remember, compromises may need to take place.

Though not all holiday planning results in needing the beneficial support of marriage therapy, some decisions made by your in-laws can strike a nerve. If your partner’s parents reject an invitation to spend the holidays at your home, try to be understanding and respecting of their decision. They may have other plans in the Bountiful area or may want to spend the holiday together on their own.

Another way to keep the holidays under control is to make time for relaxation. A lesson many couples learn in marriage therapy is to take time alone before your fuse blows. When the holiday tension becomes too much to handle, find some alone time to gather your thoughts. Fighting in the heat of the moment can cause more problems rather than solve them. Take a drive through the neighborhoods and streets of Bountiful to blow off some steam and return when everything is calm again.

Even during this season of giving and loving, relationships can experience some turbulence. Remember these hiccups are normal for all couples and they can be successfully cleared with communication and even marriage therapy for more serious cases. Whether traveling to your in-laws living in Bountiful or hosting the celebrations at your own home this holiday season, try to enjoy and appreciate the time with family and friends.

Jeffrey Herbert is a relationship writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Swinton Counseling. Follow on Twitter.