Yours Magazine Australia — January 04, 2018

GOOD TOKNOW

about

Annie Gurton

Psychological

The difference between your therapist

vision of relaxation and your

partner’s dream of adventure

could be a major cause

of conflict when planning

a summer vacation.

“There’s nothing worse than finding

yourself in a place that drives you mad or

doing something you dislike, especially for

your long-awaited holiday,” psychological

therapist Annie Gurton says.

“Too often, one partner feels like they have

to compromise. This leads to one partner

getting what they want while the other feels

frustrated, annoyed, angry and unheard.”

SOLUTION Annie says it’s common for

couples to have different visions of a perfect

holiday – but it’s also very healthy. What’s

important is agreeing to compromise.

“If you can’t find a holiday that you both

find interesting, relaxing and satisfying,

divide the time in two and each choose how

to spend that time while the other comes

along,” Annie suggests.

“It’s about recognising your partner

doesn’t necessarily enjoy the same things

as you, and that’s OK.”

Whether you re hosting the

Christmas dinner or New Year’s

Eve soiree, the list of festive chores

can seem endless. Chances are

you’ll row with your partner about

everything from where to move the

sofa to how to decorate and what

music to play.

“Sharing the chores with

each other can help alleviate the

pressure on one partner and avoid

the two of you causing a scene

in front of your guests,” Annie

advises. This will not only be better

for you, but also for the whole

family around you.

SOLUTION“The simplest solution is to make a list of everything that needs

di d lit it ll Th t b th b i l d i h ti th

therapist

Pbl

doing and split it equally.That way you both can be involved in co-hosting the

event,” she says.Seeing your tasks on paper makes them difficult to ignore.

You could further dividethelist into two more categories: chores that must

be done; and those that can be left. “It requires you both to compromise, chip

in and do your share,”Annie says.

Th diff b t

WHERE TO HOLIDAY

NOT

Keep calm and avoid

tension and conflict

over the holidays

Whether you’re hosting the

Problemm

HOSTING THE SPECI

AY

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