Though the holidays bring joy, they can sometimes bring out the worst in your relationship too, thanks to increased tension and time together. It’s even seen January anecdotally earn the title of “the divorce month”. However, if you found yourself clashing with your SO more than normal during the holiday period, relationship psychotherapist Lissy Abrahams (lissyabrahams.com) says you probably don’t need to call for a divorce.
“Some fights clear the air or release tension, others can even be beneficial for a couple as it may lead to developing new understandings together or resolving more difficult issues,” she explains. “This is very healthy and normal, and is different from unhealthy conflict that is often exhausting, recurring and entrenched in the couple’s relationship dynamics.”
If you feel yourself going head-to-head with your spouse constantly, here’s how to take your relationship out of fight mode.
WHY CAN’T I STOP FIGHTING WITH MY PARTNER?
Firstly, Abrahams explains that fighting is a result of us interpreting our other half’s words or behaviour as unacceptable, disrespectful, or frightening.
This story is from the January 15, 2024 edition of WHO.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 15, 2024 edition of WHO.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The meaning of MOTHERHOOD
THE STAR TALKS PARENTING AND WHY SHE'S DOING IT DIFFERENTLY TO HER FAMOUS FOLKS
Chris fine 'ABSOLUTELY EARTH-SHATTERING'
THE STAR REVEALS WHEN HE KNEW HIS LIFE HAD CHANGED
SOPHIE TURNER 'I was so young
THE ACTRESS REFLECTS ON MOTHERHOOD, MARRIAGE AND LEARNING TO MAKE HER OWN WAY IN THE WORLD
MY LIFE WITH ANNA
AFTER SPENDING 22 YEARS TOGETHER, THE PRIVATE COUPLE ARE STILL GOING STRONG
The fight for my life
THE ACTRESS OPENS UP ABOUT HER YEAR-LONG ORDEAL
Zayan Malik BECOMING A dad CHANGED ME
THE SINGER IS BACK WITH A NEW ALBUM, NEW PERSPECTIVE AND LOVING LIFE ON HIS FARM
Kate Hudson No-one tells me what to do
WHETHER IT'S HER CAREER OR HER LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP, THE STAR PLAYS BY HER OWN RULES
Queens OF CANNES
THE PRESTIGIOUS FILM FESTIVAL DIDN'T DISAPPOINT AS THE GLAMOROUS GUESTS WENT ALL OUT
DANIEL MACPHERSON 'I FEEL GOOD!'
THE ACTOR CHATS TO WHO ABOUT FATHERHOOD AND HIS NEW LEASE ON LIFE
IS IT OVER?
THE STAR COUPLE LEAD SEPARATE LIVES AS RUMOURS SWIRL THEY ARE ON THE ROCKS