While it might seem like a tall order, says Orange County family law attorney Dorie Rogers, but a holiday trip with a separated partner is definitely possible, and can even be a part of the process of reconciliation. It takes careful planning to pull off correctly, mind you, but the following tips should help put you and your spouse on the right path.
Start Planning Early
A last minute or spur of the moment action is more than likely to end in catastrophe. Disagreements, bickering, and contention are born of such spontaneous decisions when your relationship is already strained, so it’s a better idea to start your planning early and iron out as many potential kinks as possible. In addition to working out the details of the vacation, you should lay out some rules that will keep personality differences and emotional distress to a minimum while you’re on your holiday.
They might seem inconsequential, but these pressure points can erupt when you least expect them to and put you in danger, say Easton Law Offices, car accident lawyers in Orange County, and more than a few couples have had an argument spiral out of control and put them in a situation they’d much rather have avoided.
Work Out The Financial Components
Another source of holiday stress you’ll want to avoid for the sake of reconciliation are financial woes. They can quickly dash any hopes of putting the pieces back together, so you’ll want to ask some important questions up front, like “can you really afford this trip?”
If the answer is “yes,” then you’re on the right track, but you’ll also want to come to an agreement about how you’ll be spending money during the trip as well. When your money styles clash, you can create new conflicts, so make sure you and your spouse are on the same page and agree to adhere to your budget for the holiday.
Be Flexible And Emphasize Trust
No matter what, you’ll want to refrain from being too rigid when you’re planning and enjoying your holiday. Remember that the goal here is to get along and contribute positively to your relationship, so your attitude has to be one that is accommodating and pleasant.
If there are unforeseen schedule changes, try to roll with them. If your itinerary is altered, don’t let it get under your skin, etc. — compromise where and when you can. Lastly, assume the best intentions on the part of your spouse. Know that whatever comes up during your planning phases and the trip itself, you won’t see success unless you’re willing to work together to have a worthwhile experience.