Lunar New Year is an occasion for family reunions, but for many couples, this is also a time when conflicts easily arise, especially around arranging time for the paternal or maternal side.
When the expectations of both families do not match, plus the pressure of customs, gifts and a dense schedule, the Tet atmosphere can become tense if husband and wife lack exchange and unity.
According to psychologist Pham Thi Hien - NHC Vietnam Center for Psychological and Human Development, to maintain a warm Tet atmosphere, the important thing is understanding, sharing and consensus between husband and wife.
Finding a balance between the domestic and foreign sides
Finding a balance between the paternal and maternal sides is a key factor to help young couples avoid family tensions, especially during Tet.
To maintain harmony, husband and wife need to actively exchange and agree on a plan for the time to return to the paternal and maternal sides to help early, possibly about one to two months before Tet.
Clearly scheduling time for both paternal and maternal families helps both families feel respected, while minimizing unnecessary misunderstandings.
Dare to express my needs and feelings
Silence seems to be to keep peace, but in fact it is only the tip of the iceberg. Below are resentment, self-pity and feelings of being disrespected and gradually can create rifts in marriage.
Therefore, each individual should express their needs and emotions, avoid falling into silence.
In addition, couples need to frankly discuss the allocation of time, spending, and gifts to be reasonable, fair, and suitable to each year's circumstances.
Invite both families to reunite
In special cases, the family can be flexible by inviting both sides to reunite or alternately prioritize if for many years they have leaned towards one side.
The core of balance does not lie in which side gets more, but in the consensus between husband and wife. When both listen, respect and put the common interests of the family first, the Tet atmosphere will be lighter and warmer.
