When life is so full of stress heading out to work each day gives each partner a welcome break from the stresses of home life and the chance to put their mind to other things, which gives you the distance from your partner to work things through.

Which is why I guess the Christmas period ends in so many divorces.

But we're still standing and going by the adage "what doesn't destroy you makes you stronger". And we do actually feel stronger.

Still I can imagine if you're on shaky ground to begin with, Christmas could be the thing which finally cracks it right open and swallows you up.

And let's not forget how much of an impact alcohol has. Most people drink more over Christmas and drink variously makes people angrier, moodier and hungrier.

Hungry is OK, thanks to festive chocolate, but angry and moody as side effects to an ailing relationship aren't good.

Sleep deprivation is another big hitter, especially with enthusiastic children waking the wrong side of 6am.

Add to that the idea that we're all meant to be happier and feeling even closer, and the glowering over Christmas pudding could push you to the edge.

But my marriage advice is to wait. After the stress of the festive period, when life has resumed its previous course, your relationship might well recover its stumbling normality.

I've been shocked by how much effect stress can have on a relationship and hugely thankful it is all over. A new year is a nice way to celebrate a new beginning. In this case a one which brings no more building works and living with the in-laws.

I welcome the miserable January weather with open arms and await the coming of spring with a smile.