- Steer clear of these sources of tension
Hot Days, Sun, Tense Moments! Approximately 61% of Germans usually take their main vacation with their partner, as revealed by a survey by Pronova BKK health insurance company. However, conflicting stress factors can occasionally lead to disagreements. Around 11% of the 1,608 individuals aged 18 and above questioned might prefer to spend their leisure time away from their partner. Nine percent prefer vacationing with friends or acquaintances, while an equal number prefer solitude.
When the Weather Turns Sour
Despite many couples' desire for a peaceful vacation, several factors can be particularly disruptive and hinder relaxation. According to the survey, 51% of those vacationing with a partner view unfavorable weather as a distraction. Twenty-six percent are irritated by their partner's bad mood, 21% by noisy children, 19% by outstanding tasks left undone such as home repairs or chores, 16% by their partner's excessive smartphone use, 13% by being expected to manage everything despite being on vacation, and 10% by their partner working during the vacation. Eight percent are annoyed by their own work-related tasks, and even 6% find spending extended time with their partner stressful. However, 18% also claimed they remain undisturbed during their vacation.
What Could Soothe
These factors can negatively influence relaxation and even lead to arguments. "Often, it's a matter of what expectations my companion and I have for our shared free time," says Patrizia Thamm, health promotion specialist at Pronova BKK. Effective communication is crucial to prevent possible conflicts. Flexibility is also important to help relax. The key is compromise - as it often is in relationships: "We are all unique individuals with different needs. There will always be things in which travel companions disagree. Therefore, it can be helpful to simply allocate some time for oneself during the vacation to pursue individual interests and recharge one's energy."
Partners should listen to each other and respect each other's space, even during vacation. Why not spend some time shopping, sunbathing, or relaxing in a cafe while the other works or needs some time to themselves?
Setting realistic expectations for the vacation can also be beneficial. Instead of seeing minor setbacks as massive disappointments, try to view them calmly. "Complaining can initially serve as a release," says Thamm. "But then we should also focus on the beautiful and positive experiences and use our energy for things we can actively change and influence during the vacation. This way, we strengthen our psyche and can enjoy the vacation more peacefully, even in the face of negative influences."
Germans are most commonly influenced by external factors such as bad weather or noise. Negative emotions, thoughts, or experiences are often perceived more strongly than positive ones and have a more significant impact on our psychological state, causing us to overestimate negative impressions over positive ones, as explained by Thamm.
And if the weather turns nasty? When it rains outside, one can, for example, snuggle up with their partner in the hotel bed. Romantic moments are not to be expected from one's partner just because they're on vacation; otherwise, it might storm in the hotel. If one desires romance and closeness and the other doesn't typically display those qualities, it's important to communicate this.
If one is able to hold back, they can also leave their phone alone for a change. If an important call is not expected, leaving the device in the hotel room while dining in a romantic restaurant or strolling on the beach won't be problematic.
Another fight on vacation might occur due to differing expectations or bad weather, as some individuals might get irritated by unfavorable conditions or their partner's bad mood. It could be another fight on vacation if one partner feels obligated to manage everything despite being on vacation, leading to stress and tension.
