You know, as one does when they are totally chill and have been invited to puh-lenty of such events.
From SELF
The first time a boyfriend ever invited me to spend a holiday with his family, I casually accepted the invite. I then proceeded to silently freak out for a period of days leading up to the event. So much freaking out ensued about whether or not his parents would like me that I forgot to think about legit preparation before I entered his family home.
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Would I be comfortable with our standard PDA? (Answer: No.) What was his mom like? (Answer: Stern.) His dad’s vibe? (Answer: Eccentric.) Any topical landmines? (Answer: No idea, just started lobbing questions.) Within the first 10 seconds of arrival, when I completely blanked on his mom’s name, I realized how ill-prepared I was.
We here at SELF don’t want you to be like me this year, in case you’re enjoying your very first holiday season with your SO. Whether you’re heading home with them, or they’re coming to meet the fam, or you’re trying to create new couple-y traditions (or all of the above), these next several weeks might be fraught of anxiety and confusion.
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In fact, it’s also peak season for argument and disappointment (Joy!) , says Tara Fields, PhD, couples therapist and author of The Love Fix. First, accept that things don’t need to go perfectly, and that’s fine. “It’s just important to have realistic expectations going in,” she explains. “Whatever happens, whatever you do, it’s not going to go seamlessly. Consider it all a work in progress.” Improve and chill with each passing year!
The more you can consider thoughtfully in advance, though, the better off you’ll be for your first holiday together as a couple—whether you’re dealing with your partner’s nosy mother, your personal anxiety over how to make the holidays “special,” or what gift to buy your overly particular SO. But worry not, with the help of these five therapists, SELF helps you prep for your first holiday together with these 50 tips.
1
If your partner asks you home for the holidays and it’s really new, have that “so...what are we?” conversation before you hit the road, says Karla Ivankovich, Ph.D., a couples therapist and clinical counselor at OnePatient Global Health. “Also be respectful of the newness of the relationship for all involved,” she says. “Communicate with your parents on what this relationship means to you. If it’s casual and not serious, communicate that upfront to avoid uncomfortable situations.”
There’s no need for a partner to be grilled by your tipsy mother about marriage and babies when you don’t even know if you’ll survive to the New Year.
2
Either tell your parents that your partner will be attending the festivities with you, or insist your partner do this. This is especially crucial if you have a partner who likes to roll with it, and doesn’t always see events like “meeting the parents” as a “big deal” (I have!). “If you have not met the parents yet, encourage your partner to reach out to the family to inform them that you will be attending,” says Ivankovich. “This allows the family to prepare to meet you.”
3
You know your fam. Will they be obnoxious about the way you’re living your best life? Then literally tell them it ain’t OK to go there. “I highly recommend openly discussing with your closest family members your boundaries before you and your SO arrive,” says Karen Stewart, Psy.D., a California-based couples therapist. “Send a group email or text to your immediate family discussing what you need from them.”
If you are not in the place to discuss marriage, children, or living together, ask them not to bring it up. If your partner is from a different faith or culture and is not comfortable discussing that, tell them.” Be firm.
4
Again, surprises are fun, but save those for whatever’s covered in gift wrap. Let your partner in on a typical holiday agenda for your fam, or ask any questions you may have. “Talk about the traditions, your family’s beliefs, gift giving, and so forth, so they know what to expect when you arrive and for the duration of your stay,” says Ivankovich.
5
[post_ads]In addition to the basic rundown of events, you also want to explain what the family is like so they have a small taste. “What are the family’s quirks and eccentricities?” says Becky Whetstone, Ph.D., a marriage therapist in Little Rock, AR. “What do they love, what do they hate? Should certain subjects be avoided?”
Real talk: I once spent a holiday with my boyfriend’s family, and his dad (jokingly) took approximately 183,493 photos of me during the day. I wish he’d told me his dad liked to pull stunts before we arrived on the scene.
6
[post_ads]Maybe you’re Christian and your boyfriend is Jewish, and you’re merging for the holidays. “If you come from different religious or spiritual backgrounds, ask your partner to be respectful by informing their parents, upfront, that you do not practice their traditions or share their beliefs,” says Ivankovich. This way, you won’t be forced into an awkward spot having to decline a tradition based on spiritual beliefs.
See more at: SELF
The first time a boyfriend ever invited me to spend a holiday with his family, I casually accepted the invite. I then proceeded to silently freak out for a period of days leading up to the event. So much freaking out ensued about whether or not his parents would like me that I forgot to think about legit preparation before I entered his family home.
[post_ads_2]
We here at SELF don’t want you to be like me this year, in case you’re enjoying your very first holiday season with your SO. Whether you’re heading home with them, or they’re coming to meet the fam, or you’re trying to create new couple-y traditions (or all of the above), these next several weeks might be fraught of anxiety and confusion.
[post_ads_2]
In fact, it’s also peak season for argument and disappointment (Joy!) , says Tara Fields, PhD, couples therapist and author of The Love Fix. First, accept that things don’t need to go perfectly, and that’s fine. “It’s just important to have realistic expectations going in,” she explains. “Whatever happens, whatever you do, it’s not going to go seamlessly. Consider it all a work in progress.” Improve and chill with each passing year!
The more you can consider thoughtfully in advance, though, the better off you’ll be for your first holiday together as a couple—whether you’re dealing with your partner’s nosy mother, your personal anxiety over how to make the holidays “special,” or what gift to buy your overly particular SO. But worry not, with the help of these five therapists, SELF helps you prep for your first holiday together with these 50 tips.
1
Clarify the relationship upfront
[post_ads_2]There’s no need for a partner to be grilled by your tipsy mother about marriage and babies when you don’t even know if you’ll survive to the New Year.
2
Skip any surprises
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Set clear boundaries
[post_ads_2]If you are not in the place to discuss marriage, children, or living together, ask them not to bring it up. If your partner is from a different faith or culture and is not comfortable discussing that, tell them.” Be firm.
4
Explain your typical holiday to each other
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Explain the family dynamics
Real talk: I once spent a holiday with my boyfriend’s family, and his dad (jokingly) took approximately 183,493 photos of me during the day. I wish he’d told me his dad liked to pull stunts before we arrived on the scene.
6
Respect each other's beliefs
See more at: SELF
