Relationships December 23, 2016
Young couples flock to the promised land of IKEA with the hopes of finding a floor plan they love as much as each other. A trip to the furniture warehouse has become a modern rite of passage for most couples; the infatuated pair wanders the windowless aisles to explore their prospective future together.
But after those magical meatballs digest and catalog-worthy rooms fade out of view, you and your partner are left exhausted with a dozen boxes covering your apartment floor. IKEA built the new American Dream, but can you build that dining room table without killing your SO?
Turns out that the Swedish superstore experience tests most relationships. Some therapists even use the frustrating furniture building process as a communication exercise. Tensions are high and there’s a lot on the line; after all, you do need a place to sleep tonight.
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Sadly the stress of dealing with those pesky pegs and screws may puncture a perfectly healthy relationship. Avoid the stereotype and approach the furniture process without a clouded IKEA (I Know Everything Already) mindset.
Here’s how to assemble that IKEA furniture without killing your partner.
Have that clichéd “We need to talk” conversation to avoid a real-life rendition a few hours later. Building IKEA furniture brings out the worst in people. Promise your partner that you won’t leave when things get tough.
Whether it’s a Spotify playlist or your favorite podcast, agree on some background noise to help the time pass by. Score bonus points by picking a basic mantra to recite throughout the night. Keep calm and carry on, anyone?
Cheap Swedish furniture is great – until that little cartoon character starts smirking at you mid-wardrobe assembly. Pick one partner to decipher the picture book instruction manual to avoid an argument about what the instructions say.
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Once you open those boxes, make a game plan. Decide what to tackle first and who should tackle what. Keep in mind that some tasks may not need both your efforts; too many furniture cooks in the kitchen may spark some unwanted tension.
Grab some drinks to stay hydrated and happy. Start off with some caffeine for motivation. Then move into the booze phase when stress builds taller than that unfinished bookcase.
When you realize you built the desk upside down, laugh at the mistake. Avoid a fight and make it a memory instead. Don’t insult the other person for making the mistake. Shake off your frustration; after all, it’s not worth fighting over wood slabs.
Don’t play the blame game when things feel hopeless. Channel that anger into productive energy and give your tools mean names or make up an anti-IKEA song. Just don’t turn on each other – you’ll need the support more than those shelves.
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