Blog Layout

Be a Safe Harbour for Each Other This Holiday Season

Kathleen Maiman • Dec 14, 2015
With the season upon us, the experience can be alive with energy as well as overwhelming for many. There are those who love the Holiday season and those who don’t.

Depending on memories from our past – unresolved family feelings may arise and occur.

So, what can you do as a couple to maintain the integrity of your relationship when the “going gets tough”.

Remember who each other is: You are allies, not enemies.
Be mindful of not throwing each other “under the bus” when it comes to family dramas and dynamics. Your partner is important and is there to help. Remember you left home already and your partner is your family and home now.

Have understanding for your partner when they go into back into their Family of Origin.
For some, going home can bring forth an age regression. By being around your families, you experience yourself with the feelings and experience of being 5 years old instead of 45. Be compassionate when your partner goes through this process and don’t take it personally. Sometimes, we need to revisit these old places again and again to realize where we are. Be there as a support and remind them… “You are there for them”.

Have an Exit plan:
Have a prior plan and/or signal to when one or both of you is ready to leave. Have this organized prior to going to seeing family members on either side so that there is a mutually decided upon agreement when you are leaving.

Take time for yourselves to connect:
With the busy holiday season, we can often forget about each other and avoid making each other a priority. This leads to anger, resentment, and withdrawal from each other. Plan those downtimes to cuddle, connect and tell each other how much you mean to each other. Say it with words vs. presents (unless your partner’s love language is GIFTS)

Be that SAFE Harbour of emotional connection for one another.
Overwhelm and the stresses of feelings, emotions are bound to rise up to the surface. It is natural. Listen to him/her empathically…ask – How can I help? Say… I am here to help! That will often allow the high emotions to subside and cease.

And above all – Be Grateful!
Share your Gratitude with your LOVED ones. This opens the heart when we acknowledge what we have versus what we don’t have!

Register for our Newsletter and receive a Free Love Chat Package

This Package Includes
  • The 5 Steps to a Better Relationship
  • Ongoing Monthly Relationship Tips
  • If you want more love in your life, our relationship Love Chat Package is an easy cost-free first step.
Click to Download
A man is putting his hand on a woman's shoulder.
By Kathleen Maiman 29 Apr, 2024
So, I think we can all agree that relationships are hard. When we are triggered, our responses during times of stress are often dysfunctional and fall into one of five losing strategies as identified by Terry Real, Developer of Relational Life Therapy. They are self-defeating, leading to more discord and disharmony and ultimately stop us from getting what we want in terms of closeness and connection.
The Healing Power of EKAM: Harnessing the Energy of Oneness
By Kathleen Maiman 18 Apr, 2024
Discover the transformative power of Ekam and the energy of Oneness. This blog explores Ekam's role in spiritual healing, offering techniques for incorporating Oneness into daily life, benefits of this practice, and powerful testimonials.
Embrace Tranquility: Detoxifying Mind and Body in Calgary
By Kathleen Maiman 25 Mar, 2024
Detoxify your mind and body with Ekam’s methods. A 2-day meditation retreat in Calgary to help you cleanse your body, mind and relieve stress.
10 Characteristics of a Conscious Partnership
By Kathleen Maiman 17 Mar, 2024
Instead of focusing entirely on surface needs and desires, you learn to recognize the unresolved childhood issues that under-lie them. When you look at relationships with this x-ray vision, your daily interactions take on more meaning.
By Kathleen Maiman 04 Mar, 2024
All the recommendations and relationship advice like “Affirm Each other, Learn each other’s Love Language, Listen to one another’s needs. Learn to fight fair” are good strategies for loving another person. However, there is one skill for managing conflict that isn’t simply about being aware of and intentional about your thoughts and your words. It’s also about being attuned to the signals being sent to and through your body.
Exploring the Six Types of Relationships and Their Impact on Your Life
By Kathleen Maiman 29 Feb, 2024
Explore the six types of relationships and their profound impact on life with insights from Kathleen Maiman, covering family to self-relationships, and their influence on well-being.
By Kathleen Maiman 12 Feb, 2024
Many of us will get caught up in the romance and fairy-tale aspect of love and the superficial elements of how it looks versus how it feels.
By Kathleen Maiman 29 Jan, 2024
Do you ever feel angry? If you do, it’s normal. There’s nothing wrong with experiencing this human emotion. However, the issue with anger is what you do with it. Do you suppress it? Do you leak it out? Do you suffer in silence? Do you lose your lid with it?
Does Marriage Counselling Help? Insights from a Calgary Marriage Counsellor
By Kathleen Maiman 24 Jan, 2024
Explore how Calgary marriage counselling can transform your relationship. Learn key insights from a local expert to navigate challenges & strengthen your bond.
By Kathleen Maiman 19 Dec, 2023
Discover the transformative power of couples retreats in Alberta. Strengthen your bond, deepen your connection, & reignite your love.
More Posts
Share by: