The holidays can be a time of heightened emotion and tension. With family in town, pressure to entertain and stress for increased spending, there is an increased chance for domestic disputes as well. Unfortunately, sometimes a domestic dispute can evolve into a case of domestic violence. We understand that families can have a misunderstanding and accusations may arise out of spite, anger or exaggeration. Whether you are involved in a domestic dispute case or you have been wrongfully accused, our domestic violence team at the Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick, P.C. is prepared to take on your case and defend your rights to freedom and family this holiday season.
Avoiding Conflict: Take Steps to Protect Your Peace
We all know that conflicts and stress are bound to happen when you have out-of-town relatives in your home, your routine is thrown off and you are feeling obligated to participate in endless holiday activities. But, there are ways to avoid as much conflict as possible so you can keep your peace.
Here are four ways to avoid conflict at your holiday gatherings:
- Lower Your Expectations: The holidays do not have to fit the standard portrayed in movies. All families have differences in opinion, issues that cannot be discussed or history that everyone wants to avoid repeating. Keep your expectations low so you do not place unnecessary stress on your own shoulders. Try to remember what the holidays mean to you without the commercialized aspects so you can enjoy quality time instead of stress.
- Separate Yourself from Conflict: If issues rise to the surface and you find your blood boiling, separate yourself by going for a walk, busying yourself with a household chore or offering to run to the store. Removing yourself from the situation is worth it. Don’t let others push your buttons to the point of no return.
- Don’t Overgeneralize: Making statements that include the words always, never, every, forever, anything, everything can cause instant conflict between two people. By choosing words that address the present situation instead of “all” situations, you can avoid unnecessary conflict and possibly change the way you view a situation.
- Focus on Interests Instead of Positions: By changing the topics you talk about with your family, you may be able to diffuse any anger-fueled disputes. Talk about movies or music you enjoy, activities you are currently involved in or things your children are doing. Avoid talks involving politics, religion or standpoints such as vegan versus non-vegan, to vaccinate or not to vaccinate, or how people raise their children.
By diffusing potential arguments before they arise, you are much more likely to keep the peace instead of having a situation escalate to the point of violence. We understand that, as humans, we are bound to disagree, but it is our job as adults to maintain self-control in heated situations and avoid going to jail for the holidays.
Norman Domestic Violence Attorneys
If you have been in a domestic dispute that resulted in domestic violence, or if you have been wrongfully accused, you do not have to stand alone. Our experienced domestic violence attorneys can examine your case and help you build a strong defense. Emotions run rampant during the holidays, and sometimes things get out of control. Don’t fight your charges alone and risk sacrificing more of your rights. Leave the court proceedings to a professional by hiring one of our lawyers.
If you’ve been involved in a domestic dispute, our attorneys can help. Contact our firmnow at (866) 590-8173.