Relationship Counseling NYC: Read This If You Think Holiday Movies Are Relationship Goals

For many, the cold-weather months are chocked-full of holiday plans. Most of us are busy finding ways to squeeze in a seasonal barrage of holiday frivolity, family interaction, and frequent social events. 

And if you’re living your best single life? Well, then all the coming and going repetitive gathering, and expected gift-giving can get to be a bit much on your own. Particularly when you’re inundated with Hallmark movie reminders that this is supposed to be the season for cozying up for hot cocoa and deep romantic connection. 

So, you might be thinking about how nice it’d be to have an attractive person at your side to ward off well-meaning loved ones who keep inquiring about your relationship status. Nothing wrong with that.

Just be careful. Those holiday movies can go to your head. Twinkle lights and baked goods have a way of distracting smart daters and encouraging relationship compromises that aren’t so enjoyable come January. 

How to have more holiday dating fun without regrets? Read on:

Relationship Counseling NYC: Despite What the Calendar Says, Resist the Holiday Rush

It is difficult not to succumb to the hustle-bustle and stress-inducing schedule of holiday planning, shopping, and celebrations. It’s tempting to rush relationships too. The holidays are often referred to as the “cuffing” season, as people tend to metaphorically cuff themselves together for the winter months. You’re not alone in wanting to create a picture-perfect holiday with a picture-perfect partner.

Do you feel pressured to hurry up and meet someone to avoid the anxiety of being alone, feeling left out, or enduring the judgment of others? Acknowledge those feelings but resist rushing into a relationship or commitment you don’t want. Otherwise, the process of disengaging can make for a difficult and painful start to the new year. 

Relationship Counseling NYC: Despite What the Commercials Say, This is No Time for Magical Thinking

Seasonal advertisers are no dummies. They market the “magic of the season” for one reason: the buy-in. To get you to believe that the holiday season is one of miracles, extravagant gifts, and Pinterest-perfect parties, all propped up by our credit cards. This suspended reality can easily trickle over to your dating life and distract you. 

Inspired by ads and tv movies, you might attempt to do what those fictional couples do, falling for someone because, somehow, winter snow, twinkle lights, and firelight equal a magical connection. But beware. We never see what happens after the commercial fades to black or the movie credits roll. 

Real-life daters are better served tuning into each other rather than holiday media. Drink ice water with peppermint instead of hot cocoa and keep your relationship wits about you. Pay attention to your date and the realities of your connection. Enjoy their great qualities but don’t overlook the red flags…regardless of the season. 

Relationship Counseling NYC: Despite the Holiday Haze, Commit to Communicate as You Celebrate

You may have missed it, but nestled between Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving is another holiday: World Hello Day. Established in 1973 and observed on the 21st of November, it was created in response to the conflict between Egypt and Israel. 

What does that have to do with dating? Consider it a reminder to pay attention to your internal dialogue and communication skills. Essentially, it is a call to settle down and talk things through.

If you watch holiday movies, the plot lines are fairly predictable. First, the meet-cute. Then the montage of snowy get-to-know-you scenes. Then, inevitably, some perfectly avoidable misunderstanding occurs (gasp… he isn’t the boy next door at all, but the head of the corporation paving over her uncle’s Christmas tree farm). Their whole happy ending is threatened. All of which could have been preempted by the wisdom and real talk advised by World Hello Day.

Don’t be a Hallmark movie. Whether you’re a world leader or a single person in New York looking to connect, practicing the art of slowing down and communicating is a goal worth setting. Date through the season with mindful connection and understanding in mind… it is a gift that keeps on giving long after the romantic holiday haze fades.    

Relationship Counseling NYC: Talk Through Relationship Goals with a Therapist

If you are ready to set meaningful relationship goals a compassionate, knowledgeable therapist is a more reliable guide than holiday love stories. Gift yourself with time and energy spent on self-awareness and relationship counseling that can pay dividends for seasons to come.

The Relationship Suite

Relationship counseling can make dating much more productive any time of the year. With support, you can uncover any relationship obstacles and discover what you want from yourself and your future partner.

Additionally, if you have other difficulties navigating dating and relationships and want to learn more about having a healthy connection, please Contact Us at The Relationship Suite. We help you identify and work through whatever is getting in the way of finding peace, comfort, and lasting forgiveness.

We’re a group of skilled therapists specializing in relationship counseling. We provide individual and couples therapy. To find out more about Relationship Counseling NYC CLICK HERE.

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Contact Us HERE for a complimentary consultation.