Do the Holidays Affect Your Relationship?

The holidays are upon us and if you didn't figure out what to do with your significant other or what to get them you may well be doomed!  Don't worry, though, this post isn't about that.  It's far simpler, in fact.  The question is this:  How do the holidays affect people in a relationship, if at all?I don't think there's any question that the holidays affect relationships.  They do!  How, though?  If you're in a casual relationship, just seeing someone, the holidays can be something of a spring board to a discussion of whether or not things are going to be more serious.  Or it can solidify the current status of that relationship.  It's weird how that happens, but it just does; I've been there.

I think, more prominent, is that people who are unhappy in relationships tend to stay in them through the holidays and beyond.  In fact, there was a study done in 2004 that surveyed 1000 couples, who were unhappy in their relationship.  The study showed that 51% of those unhappy couples stayed together through the holidays, with 20% sticking it out even longer.  However, 30% of those couples did breakup before the holiday season got started (prior to Thanksgiving).  Those are some staggering figures, if you think about it.

Holiday parties are interesting, too.  Surveys have showed that holiday parties see singles bringing a date with them more often than any other company hosted party or event outside of the holiday season.

Of course, there's always the gift giving portion of the holidays.  Anyone you ask, for the most part, will tell you that they're not in a relationship for material things or money.  Okay.  I can buy that.  However, what happens when you only get a Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa card?  A serious beat down, that's what and it's likely to be none too awesome.  Gifts are a non-verbal way to show that you care.  That's where the real value is placed on a gift, showing that you care.

The holidays are ready to do a number on you, kids.  Be ready and don't by a lame gift and be a loser.  Uncle Santa will show you the business end of his size 10 boot.  Count on it.