Relationship Reset: Reignite, Reconnect, Rebuild

Holiday Personalities Gone Wild: How Couples Stay Sane Together

Katie Rössler Season 1 Episode 49

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Raise your hand (mentally!) if the holiday season brings out at least one big personality in your family—the spotlight stealer, the over-helper who won’t let anyone help, the “everything must revolve around me” relative, or the perfectionist who treats table settings like a NASA launch sequence. If your hand went up, welcome to December… the month when love is warm, lights are twinkly, and everyone’s stress responses are dialed up to 100. 

In this week’s episode, Katie breaks down the four difficult personality types that flare during the holidays—the narcissist, the codependent, the entitled, and the perfectionist—and explains why these behaviors intensify this time of year. More importantly, she gives you the tools you and your partner need to stay grounded, connected, and fully in your adult selves (not the inner teen who wants to bolt from the dinner table). 

You’ll learn:

  • How to “be the rock” when a narcissist tries to create emotional waves
  • The one-offer rule that keeps you out of codependent burnout
  • Why entitlement thrives in vagueness—and how clear expectations shut it down
  • How to support perfectionists without getting swallowed by their stress
  • The couple rituals and boundaries that prevent post-gathering arguments

If you and your partner want to walk into holiday events as a united front instead of a stressed-out duo bracing for impact, this episode gives you the roadmap.

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