Sometimes, Some Things, have to give!

Sorry no post last week. It is a crazy busy time, so something had to give. Unfortunately it was one less weekly post so I could focus on my family and other priorities! Especially not forgetting the husband, which is one of the most important relationships to me. Often the people who are closest to us-especially husbands-bear the brunt of our anxiety, which can be detrimental to the relationship. Stress can make you both less tolerant and more impatient, making it harder for you to support each and problem-solve. There are 4 things you can do to stop stress from straining your marriage:

1. EMPATHIZE-You may feels so stressed out that the last thing you want to do is hear his problems, but acknowledging your partner's feelings at the get-go of a conversation enables you to have a discussion without fighting. Let him know you are on his side!

2. SHOW HIM THAT YOU'RE REALLY LISTENING-Put away the phone, and the remote. Focus on him, clarifying things if necessary. Doing this validates his feelings and helps you feel closer.

3. USE COLLABORATIVE LANGUAGE- use we instead of I or you. Instead of saying, "You never help out and I'm sick of it," try; "Let's come up with ways we can help each other get things done."

4. KEEP IN TOUCH-It's easy to zip through your day with little contact, and if you're stressed out, the last thing you might want to do is hold hands or give him a hug. But reconnecting in a basic way with skin-to-skin touch helps you bond and can relieve stress. So, even if you're irritable, push yourself to reach out with a gentle touch on the arm when you're both going about your daily tasks. Or, if you're not nearby, send a quick text message to let him know you're thinking of him!

Give into the giving spirit of the season, and give a little time to the ones you love and love you back!

Wishing you a very Merry and Blissful Christmas!!!