Post-Christmas relationship repair
The festive season can put your relationship on the spot. Susan Quilliam outlines the ten most common relationship difficulties couples' experience over Christmas and how to cope
There are many reasons why the Christmas holidays can leave even the happiest couples' slightly frazzled and fractious with one another. It's the combination of family parties, constant planning, too much food, alcohol and time at home, which can sour your festive mood and leave you seething with irritation. If you felt frustrated with your partner over Christmas, make sure you iron out the problems and start the New Year afresh.
He didn't deliver in the present department
You made a real effort with his present and he clearly didn't. Women often believe that the present a man gives is a sign of his love. Wrong! Men aren't natural present givers and are often scared of getting it wrong. They settle for something small or traditional whereas we want them to be extravagant and creative.
If you do feel disappointed, try not to sulk. He wanted to do his best for you, but he didn't know how. Rather than scream at him, gently explain your disappointment and suggest he treat you to something extra special as a peacemaking gesture.
Next year, give him a list with details and prices so he makes the right choice of present for you.
You got on each other's nerves
As the days went by, you found yourself getting more and more irritated with him. By New Year you were ready to snap. Unless you suspect that your irritation is masking disillusionment with your relationship, these feelings are likely to be down to being cooped up together for too long over the Christmas period.
When you get back into your normal routine, you'll find that things naturally improve. But it's worth making a sincere apology for feeling irritated. If you apologise, your partner probably will too.
Next year, keep your sanity by allowing yourself some time apart over the Christmas period. Spend some time with friends, with family, or best of all alone. Go for a walk, go shopping, or curl up on the sofa with a book.
