Tension for Couples on Mother's Day

As Mother’s Day just passed, it's important to recognize that while it's a time for celebration and appreciation, it can also bring some tension to couples and families. As a couples therapist, I’ve seen how conflicts and past disappointments can sometimes overshadow what should be a happy holiday.

One common scenario that arises is when one person wants to spend time with their own mother, while their partner wants to do the same with theirs. This can create a dilemma and lead to disagreements that can escalate and ruin the day.

In situations like this, communication is key. As a therapist, I encourage couples to sit down and have a conversation about why it’s important to them to spend time with their respective mothers. Through open and honest dialogue, each partner can understand the other's longing and dreams, and come up with a compromise that honors both of their desires.

One way to find a compromise is to create a ritual that celebrates both partners. For example, spending half the day together and the other half visiting their respective mothers. While this might not be perfect, it's a good start to finding a middle ground that works for both partners.

It's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to celebrate Mother's Day. The most important thing is to communicate and try to honor each other's requests so that the compromise doesn't feel one-sided.

Wishing all the mothers in our community a happy Mother’s Day!

Click on the bottom link to watch our latest video on this full topic in detail, with our Director and Gottman-Trained therapist at Couples Counseling ATL, Stephanie Cook, and Couples Therapist Jessica Hart, where they explain everything in further detail!

Finally, stay tuned these next couple of weeks to learn more about different upcoming topics!