You’ve been looking forward to this family vacation for months, but your workaholic spouse is already stressing you out. It seems like they’re just not into it, and you’re worried the whole trip will be a disaster.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips for how to handle a workaholic spouse during family holiday trips.
Lay down expectations
Before your trip, sit down and talk with your spouse about your expectations. Let them know that you would like them to be present (both mentally and physically) and that you need their help to make the trip enjoyable for everyone.
If they’re unwilling to change their behavior, you may need to reconsider whether or not traveling together is the best idea. A workaholic spouse can put a serious damper on your holiday spirit.
Create a realistic itinerary
If you can open up a dialog and come to a mutual understanding, then there’s no reason why your trip can’t be just as fun as you imagined.
So what can you do to keep your sanity during your next family vacation? First, create a realistic itinerary. Make sure that there are plenty of activities that everyone can enjoy, without having to drag your spouse along to participate in every single one of them.
Second, try to relax and enjoy yourself. It’s not going to be easy, but don’t hesitate to speak up if things get too stressful. You deserve some quality time with your family too, and you shouldn’t have to put up with a workaholic spouse.
Schedule some “me” time
Carve out some “me” time during your trip:
- Connect with friends or family members who are also in town. This is a great way to catch up and relax.
- Take some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just for an hour. Use this time to practice yoga, read a book, or take a swim.
- Find activities that interest you and do them solo or join a group session. This can help take your mind off things and give you some much-needed downtime while your spouse works.
Let go of the things you can’t control
Don’t drive yourself crazy. It’s not worth getting angry or frustrated over something that’s out of your hands. Just relax and go with the flow—you will both be a lot happier that way. The key is to not let the workaholic spouse ruin your holiday trip for you.
It can be hard to travel with a workaholic spouse who is always on their laptop, but it’s not impossible. With a little bit of patience and planning, you can make the most of your family vacation. Try to schedule some downtime for both of you during the trip. Set and stick to some ground rules ahead of time, such as no work talk during mealtimes. If they slip up, don’t be afraid to remind them of the rules. We know it’s not always easy to travel with a workaholic spouse, but with some effort, you can make the most of your family vacation.