There’s no better time to bond withfamilythan the holidays.
But youve got one thing going for you: foresight.
So this year, go in prepared to diffuse, distract, and deflect.
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I’d like to meet someone, but I haven’t yet."
One of your family friends could introduce you to your new significant other!
The first thing Sussman recommends is to realize what a great problem this is to have.
That’s an amazing, beautiful thingor what Sussman might call a “champagneproblem.”
But that might just be a symptom of a larger issue.
“It’s about having empathy.
Moore also recommends taking a little time to spend one-on-one with your partner.
When it comes to income discrepancies, don’t feel guilty.
Contribute what you feel comfortable with.
Remember: The most heartfelt giftsaren’t necessarilythe most expensive.
Or you’re free to take things in a different direction.
Moore suggests asking your loved one what a gift means to them.
Maybe your loved ones value quality time or handwritten lettersyou’ll never know until you ask!
Bringing home a new partner can be intimidating, especially for them.
Does your partner love hiking?
Does your family lovehiking?
Greatyou can organize a hike you’re free to all go on.
The same applies to anythingfrom sports to music to movies.
The key is to find commonalities and to use those to spark bonding time.
Travel is a huge component of the holiday season.
Whether you’re taking a flight or making a road trip, travel time can seem like hours wasted.
Feld also recommends remembering what lies at the end of your journey: family time.
Keeping your mind on the positive can make a long journey a hell of a lot easier.
And if you really want to flip the script, skip the travel this season.
You might not be in the same room, but modern-daytechnologycan make you feel like you are.
No, you’ve got the option to’t hug someone online.
But for some, this is easier said than done.
Let’s say you haven’t talked toyour siblingor any other family memberin a long time.
Feld suggests contacting your relative ahead of time and trying to work things out.
At best, you’re able to revitalize that relationshipand that’s pretty amazing.
This year’selection seasonhas been notoriously divisive, so you’re not alone in your political woes.
Feld has a couple straightforward suggestions to make these conversations a little easier.
First, avoid combining alcohol and politics talk.
And Moore says that if political discussions inevitably arise,empathyis the key to keeping things friendly.
Did you and your sibling vote for different candidates?
Talk about why you made those decisions.
You could enlighten each other and ultimately reach a place of greater understanding.
“What a person needs when they’re in that place is empathy.”
Feld is a big fan ofplanning ahead.
Anticipating a problem on the horizon?
give a shot to handle it ahead of time.
That way, you’re free to maximize the joy of the actual holidays.
Have a great holiday!
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Also:Ask A Lesbian: Going Home For The Holidays (BuzzFeed)
