So you've made it all year without having to deal with you're boyfriend's family and now the moment of truth is finally here!
Over the next few weeks, you will spend more time with each other's family than most people care to do all year..lol You'll be sitting across the table from some people you may already know, plus a few characters that you know only from what you've heard.
But, this doesn't mean it's time to sweat, this means it's time to prepare. Today, I'm going to give you a few pointers on how to survive the holiday with your relationship in tact. So, are you ready? Let's Go..
Over the next few weeks, you will spend more time with each other's family than most people care to do all year..lol You'll be sitting across the table from some people you may already know, plus a few characters that you know only from what you've heard.
But, this doesn't mean it's time to sweat, this means it's time to prepare. Today, I'm going to give you a few pointers on how to survive the holiday with your relationship in tact. So, are you ready? Let's Go..
Tip #1 Be Yourself
One of the best things you can do when it comes to overcoming some of these uphill struggles that you'll face during the holiday season is to "Be Yourself".
Trying to put on some Super Woman front like nothing bothers you is not the way to go into one of the most stressful times of the year. Besides, if things go well, you'll be back at the holidays next year with the same person trying to remember what lies and persona you gave to his family.
Being yourself, will not only save you a headache, but it can also give him a good idea of how you'll be with his crazy ass uncles, as well as, around inquisitive relatives of your own.
The simple fact is, dealing with the chaos of the holidays will be stressful, but it's how you deal with it that makes all the difference.
Trying to put on some Super Woman front like nothing bothers you is not the way to go into one of the most stressful times of the year. Besides, if things go well, you'll be back at the holidays next year with the same person trying to remember what lies and persona you gave to his family.
Being yourself, will not only save you a headache, but it can also give him a good idea of how you'll be with his crazy ass uncles, as well as, around inquisitive relatives of your own.
The simple fact is, dealing with the chaos of the holidays will be stressful, but it's how you deal with it that makes all the difference.
Tip #2 - Plan Ahead
The more you can do beforehand to plan ahead can be a lifesaver. Waiting until the last minute to pack or prepare a meal is a sure-fire way to put your weakest foot forward and leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth.
But, it doesn't just stop at the dinner table, this applies to road trips too. If you already know you're not someone who can deal with 1000 people on the road, bring some soothing music along or just let your Sweety do driving.
Basically, you need to plan ahead to have whatever you need to maintain your sanity whenever things start to get hectic ...because they will.
But, it doesn't just stop at the dinner table, this applies to road trips too. If you already know you're not someone who can deal with 1000 people on the road, bring some soothing music along or just let your Sweety do driving.
Basically, you need to plan ahead to have whatever you need to maintain your sanity whenever things start to get hectic ...because they will.
Tip #3 - Dress Appropriately
Now everyone knows he loves you in that little number where that skirt hugs your curves tighter than a race car holds the track..But..this doesn't mean his mother needs to see just how bountiful your bosom is.
I'm not saying that you have to put on ultra conservative clothing, but just keep in mind that how you present yourself at the dinner table is how people are going to assume you dress all the time. So it's really up to you on what kind of impression you want to leave.
Now if the holiday will be spent with your relatives, then they already know wayy more than your boyfriend will ever know about you so dress however you want:p
I'm not saying that you have to put on ultra conservative clothing, but just keep in mind that how you present yourself at the dinner table is how people are going to assume you dress all the time. So it's really up to you on what kind of impression you want to leave.
Now if the holiday will be spent with your relatives, then they already know wayy more than your boyfriend will ever know about you so dress however you want:p
Tip #4 - Be Flexible
I'm not talking about leg behind the head flexible..lol I'm talking about being able to go with the flow.
No one is able to predict if this seemingly simple trip of going to his parent's house for 2 hours will turn into an all night snooze-fest or go as planned, so be flexible.
Be fluid and ready to adapt to whatever sudden changes get thrown your way. This will not only demonstrate resiliency, but show that you can roll with the punches when things get crazy.
No one is able to predict if this seemingly simple trip of going to his parent's house for 2 hours will turn into an all night snooze-fest or go as planned, so be flexible.
Be fluid and ready to adapt to whatever sudden changes get thrown your way. This will not only demonstrate resiliency, but show that you can roll with the punches when things get crazy.
Tip #5 - Be Respectful
Now of course this goes without saying, but I'm saying it anyway. If you're going to be meeting with his parents or better yet grandparents, have your "Yes, maam" or "Yes, sir" in your back pocket to show that you have respect for the elders.
Even if you don't, just make sure you toss these social graces around every now and again to show that you can turn on the elegance when you need to.
Even if you don't, just make sure you toss these social graces around every now and again to show that you can turn on the elegance when you need to.
Tip #6 - Be Prepared
Even the best laid plans will falter during the stress of your holiday shuffle, so be prepared. Take the extra steps needed to ensure that you'll be good either way.
This means things like: having extra money for a plane ticket, train, rental car etc. One can never be too prepared when shit gets thick
Also, if you know that you love your quiet time, bring a good book to fall into whenever you need that moment to catch your breath. Just be sure to communicate your concerns to your boyfriend, so he doesn't start tripping if you disappear for a good hour and a half.
This means things like: having extra money for a plane ticket, train, rental car etc. One can never be too prepared when shit gets thick
Also, if you know that you love your quiet time, bring a good book to fall into whenever you need that moment to catch your breath. Just be sure to communicate your concerns to your boyfriend, so he doesn't start tripping if you disappear for a good hour and a half.
Tip#7 - Keep It Light
One of the best and most stressful parts about being in a relationship during the holiday season is the travel.
For some this may be easier than others, but for a lot of us, the road and/or air time can put your relationship to the test. You have miles and miles ahead of nothing, but pure uninterrupted conversation.
So why is this important? Well, it's because sometimes people like to bring up shit that isn't going to do anything but make someone mad for the rest of the trip. Like I said before, the tension and stress levels are already high, so why exacerbate the situation.
A long road trip is not the time to tell someone how your really feel about them drinking the last of the Kool-Aid or leaving the toilet seat up. It's not going to do anything, but bring drama to your trip that could have definitely waited until you got back home.
But, if you insist on addressing some of those concerns that have been sitting on your chest..keep it light.
For some this may be easier than others, but for a lot of us, the road and/or air time can put your relationship to the test. You have miles and miles ahead of nothing, but pure uninterrupted conversation.
So why is this important? Well, it's because sometimes people like to bring up shit that isn't going to do anything but make someone mad for the rest of the trip. Like I said before, the tension and stress levels are already high, so why exacerbate the situation.
A long road trip is not the time to tell someone how your really feel about them drinking the last of the Kool-Aid or leaving the toilet seat up. It's not going to do anything, but bring drama to your trip that could have definitely waited until you got back home.
But, if you insist on addressing some of those concerns that have been sitting on your chest..keep it light.
Tip#8 - Moderation
Now, I don’t know exactly how his family or your family rolls, but I do know that some families enjoy an elixir or two during the holiday festivities.
So what this means is that at some point and time you may be offered an intoxicant to knock the edge off your anxiety.
However, when removing the edge be sure you don’t take off your entire head in the process..lol
Becoming too inebriated at such as a time as this can be catastrophic, especially if you’re one of those loud, dance on the coffee table types.
Talk about making an impression ^_^ But then again, if it’s a party house… Cheers!
So what this means is that at some point and time you may be offered an intoxicant to knock the edge off your anxiety.
However, when removing the edge be sure you don’t take off your entire head in the process..lol
Becoming too inebriated at such as a time as this can be catastrophic, especially if you’re one of those loud, dance on the coffee table types.
Talk about making an impression ^_^ But then again, if it’s a party house… Cheers!
Tip#9 - Have Fun
One of the most important things to remember while trying to get through the holidays is to simply have fun. Remember that spending time together with that special someone is all a part of strengthening your relationship.
All the little stress and anxiety you experience during the holiday is something that will get easier over time as you and your Sweety grow closer together.
Meeting each other’s family is the next step in preparing for whatever the future holds in store for you;)
All the little stress and anxiety you experience during the holiday is something that will get easier over time as you and your Sweety grow closer together.
Meeting each other’s family is the next step in preparing for whatever the future holds in store for you;)
Tip#10 - Remember It's Not The End Of The World
Now, if you’ve done everything to the best of your ability and things still seem to be slipping down the gutter, just remember that it’s not the end of the world.
This is but one moment in your relationship that you two will hopefully face again and should not be the deciding factor in the course of your relationship.
Life happens and it’s those who can smile when it rains that seem to come out happiest in the end.
This is but one moment in your relationship that you two will hopefully face again and should not be the deciding factor in the course of your relationship.
Life happens and it’s those who can smile when it rains that seem to come out happiest in the end.
So What Do You Think? Any Tips You Want To Add?
Thanks for reading this week's insight. Please leave any tips or suggestions that you've found to be helpful when surviving the holidays in a relationship.
Stay Drama Free
-Jamaal(LoverOfLife)
Stay Drama Free
-Jamaal(LoverOfLife)
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