5 Relationship Landmines to Avoid During the Xmas Holidays

According to Facebook status statistics, more relationships end in the 2 weeks leading up to Christmas than in any other time of the year. Meeting the families, the pressure to buy expensive gifts, and expectations of increasing commitment are just some of the ways the holidays put unnecessary stress on our relationships.

While at the U.S. Naval Academy, Dating and Relationship Coach Dave Booda, learned “you can avoid a lot of pain in life if you learn to navigate through the mine fields.”

Here are 5 potentially explosive landmines to steer clear of in relationships during the holidays.

1. Be a hugger. If you’re meeting the family of your romantic partner, don’t be afraid to show affection. Nothing says “I’m nervous” like awkwardly giving her mom a handshake.

2. Don’t give in to pressure to get engaged. You can’t go 2 hours without being exposed to jewelry advertisements around the holidays. There is a lot of pressure during the holidays to get married, and when you decide to make that move, it should be of your own free will! Don’t let others sway you.

3. Don’t go bankrupt. There’s nothing wrong with spending a lot of money on gifts, but if you’d like to hold yourself to a budget, know that your creativity is free. Still can’t figure out a creative idea? Ask a few friends, get some ideas from the internet, brainstorm ways to show appreciation without breaking the bank.

4. Don’t forget to send thank you cards. Going above and beyond what’s expected will make you a memorable guest, especially with your partner’s family. A small note thanking them for the hospitality and/or gifts will go a long way and speak volumes about who you are.

5. Don’t avoid the parents. Giving in to your awkwardness is never the answer. If you feel a strong connection with your partner and feel called to meet his or her folks, go enjoy yourself! There is never a “right” time, it’s far better to embrace the situation with open arms than give in to fear.

Dave Booda is the author of the The Male Blueprint. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, a former officer in the U.S. Navy as well as a writer, speaker and coach who is changing the way people think about
relationships in the 21st century.