Avoid An Argument This Christmas
Fotolia/AskMen
“The fail-proof plan to avoid all arguments, of course, is to accept that she’s always right. When it comes to present-buying, it’s probably true.“
‘Tis the season to be jolly, merry, drunk… and a bit stressed out. December, the month of reindeer-shaped chocolate and office party merriment is also the time of year couples argue the most. Bickering is now as synonymous with Christmas as Baileys and Seinfeld marathons. But, with a spot of keen maneuvering and sharp thinking, you can enjoy a stress-free and happy Christmas, just the way Santa intended. Here are the common fights and how to avoid them.
Who To Spend Christmas With
Christmas Day is dawning and you’re arguing over which family home to go to. Yours; with your mother who hasn’t quite approved of your girlfriend yet and younger brother who is a little too friendly towards her. Or hers; with the screaming child nephew and overbearing father who looks at you suspiciously from across the turkey. Tough one. Coin toss? Or here’s a thought: Do your own thing and celebrate a second Christmas together on the 27th. Everyone’s happy.
Present Buying For Each Other
She said you didn’t need to spend a lot on her gift but did she mean it? Will she flip out if you buy her something small because, after all, she’s “not that fussed, really”? Is she putting a lot of thought into your gift? No, yes and yes again. Women regard present-buying as you regard barbecuing: it takes thought, time and careful preparation. Even if you’ve been going out just a couple of months. Bags or jewellery are winners and work for all budgets. Don’t forget the card, either.
Present Buying For Other People
Half an hour in Myer and already you’re snapping at each other. Shopping as a twosome is stressful at any time because men and women treat it as entirely different experiences (you: pragmatic and business-like. Get the job done and leave. Her: leisurely hovering over expensive products, mass trying-on and making friends with the makeup counter assistant). Plan beforehand who you’re buying for and where you’re going. Promise yourselves a trip to the pub by way of reward. The fail-proof plan to avoid all arguments, of course, is to accept that she’s always right. When it comes to present-buying, it’s probably true.
Office Parties
Obviously, if your office party is an intimate lunch for employees-only then plus-ones are a no. Alternatively, it may be a big evening do where other halves are welcome but all you want to do is hang out with colleagues and schmooze your boss. It’s totally acceptable to want to keep your love life and work life separate, but if the topic is just causing paranoid questions of why you’re keeping her away, time to compromise. Invite her to arrive later on once you’ve had sufficient time to bond with the boys and sweet-talk your managers.
Chores
It’s inevitable that co-habiting couples argue endlessly about chores (you didn’t think moving in with her would really mean Naked Tuesdays and frequent sex on the kitchen table, did you?), and more so around Christmas. Whether your home is hosting the big dinner or a full-on New Year’s Eve party, chances are you’ll row about everything from where to re-position the sofa to how long the potatoes need roasting. Simplest solution is to draw up a list of what needs doing and split it equally. No fuss, no drama.
Of course if you’re single then absolutely none of the above applies. You have free rein for all the beneath-the-mistletoe antics and guilt-free office parties you desire. And remember, if you’re trying to impress a potential date – jewellery, good. Vouchers, bad. Now pass the Baileys.