How to Tell Your Partner You Aren't Feeling The Holiday Spirit
First and foremost, let’s normalize the fact that the holidays, while filled with joy and laughter for many, can also bring up difficult and melancholic feelings for others. The festivities and decorations that fill homes during the last few months of the year can sometimes act as a stark contrast to the painful memories or experiences we might be holding on to from the past. You are not alone in feeling this way, and it’s okay to not always share in the holiday cheer.
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Feeling the holiday blues? Learn how to open up and communicate your feelings to your partner with my practical guide.
Communicate Openly with Your Partner: A Guide to Courageous Conversations
One of the most crucial steps in navigating these complex emotions is to have an open and honest conversation with your partner. I encourage you to use my relationship communication guide as a tool to help facilitate this discussion. Remember, even if you feel like you’ve had this conversation before, revisiting and rehashing the details can be beneficial. It ensures that both you and your partner are on the same page and that there are no miscommunications or misunderstandings about how you’re feeling.
It's common for us to assume that our loved ones can pick up on our subtle hints and know what we’re going through. However, most of the time, people aren’t mind readers, and they may not fully understand the depth of our emotions unless we express them through words.
Creating Dopamine Sandwiches: Building Positive Experiences Around the Holidays
Another strategy that I often recommend is to start new traditions that you can look forward to during the holiday season. These traditions can act as what I like to call dopamine sandwiches. Incorporate activities or experiences that you truly enjoy and that bring you happiness, interspersed with the holiday festivities that might not be your favorite. These positive experiences can provide you with a dopamine boost, helping to improve your overall mood and enjoyment of the holiday season.
During your courageous conversation with your partner, take the time to discuss the possibility of starting new traditions together. It can be a fun and exciting exercise to sit down and brainstorm a list of out-of-the-box activities or experiences that you haven’t tried before. This process can bring you closer together and help you find new ways to connect and share in the joy of the season.
The holiday season can be a mix of joy and sadness. Learn how to navigate these emotions and build a thriving relationship with your partner.
Empowerment Through Choices: Remembering Your Power and Control
Lastly, I want to remind you that you are not stuck, and your feelings are valid and important. As an adult, you have the power and control to shape your days and choose how you want to spend your time during the holidays. This is your opportunity to create a holiday season that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.
As we move through the holiday season, I will be touching on the importance of setting boundaries as well. Communication is the first step, and boundaries are the next piece of the puzzle to ensure that you can thrive and enjoy a healthy, happy holiday season with your partner. Remember, you are a powerful and important human being, and you have the ability to create the holiday experience that you desire.
Navigating the holidays can be tough, especially if you're feeling down. Use these 10 daily affirmations to uplift your spirits and empower yourself to have a joyful and peaceful holiday season.