Busting the Post-Festive Relationship Blues

The festive season is not only a time for eating way too much, getting drunk on weekdays and discovering new things about your family members that annoy you.

The festive season also brings a lot of free time, and consequently, a lot of quality time with your significant other. While this can be both a blessing and a curse, most couples revel in the time and enjoy it so much that going back to work and adjusting to ‘normal’ life can put a strain on relationships. Finding your feet as a couple in the new year isn’t always easy, but these tips can make the transition as smooth as the clock striking 12 on New Years Eve…

Schedule Regular Date Nights

Set aside one night every week to go on a romantic date. Get dressed up, leave all the worries about work at home, get a babysitter and go out for dinner with your partner. Spending time alone in a romantic setting will not only help you catch up with your partner, but will help the two of you fall in love with each other over and over again.

Work Out Together

With the Christmas spread still making your clothes fit a little too snugly, most new year’s resolutions involve hitting the gym, losing weight and getting back into shape. Working out with your significant other provides you with a gym buddy and ensures that you won’t flake on your ‘new year, new you’ plan just three weeks into the year.

Make Menial Takes Romantic

Whether you wash your cars together every Sunday or make a note of going grocery shopping together on Saturday mornings, spending time doing menial tasks with your partner gives you time during a hectic day to blow off steam and talk about issues best not discussed over the phone, while getting important things done.

‘Smart Fridays’

Everyone can do with some intelligent conversation, especially if your job doesn’t exactly blow your mind on a daily basis. Doing ‘smart Fridays’ with your significant other can help brush up on your general knowledge and allows the two of you to teach each other something in a relaxed, loving environment. Pick a topic every week and research it on your own, then share what you learned over dinner with your partner. This ensures that you learn something new and that you are guaranteed to have stimulating conversation.

Quickie Lunch Dates

Let’s face it: Some weeks at work are so busy that you hardly have time to sleep, let alone spend quality time with your partner. During these times, it may be useful to schedule quick lunch dates with your significant other. Not only will seeing your loved one brighten your day, but it will make sure that you make time to refuel your body properly – two minute noodles and a cup of coffee don’t count as a balanced meal!

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