SAS TACTICS THAT CAN HELP YOU SURVIVE CHRISTMAS WITH THE IN-LAWS
New research from Halfords Autocentres shows that most people (53%) look forward to celebrating Christmas or New Year more than any other aspect of winter and almost a quarter of them (24%) believe that visiting family or friends is essential at this time of year.
However, winter hazards take a variety of forms and many a family gathering has been spoilt following an icy encounter with a mother or father in-law over the festive period.
To combat this, the leading independent garage chain has called in former SAS Sergeant Major and author of the SAS Survival Handbook, John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman to advise on how to survive this as well as other potential seasonal dangers.
Rory Carlin from Halfords Autocentres said: “People think cars can be temperamental but compared with people they are very predictable and much easier to maintain and repair than relationships.
“However, whether talking about making sure a car starts or a party is successful - they have one thing in common - failing to plan is planning to fail. That’s why we have drawn up a shortlist of tactics employed by these elite troops that can help. ”
SAS Christmas seasonal survival tips:
- Avoid confrontation - maintain eye contact (avoiding antagonistic staring) and take a more passive stance which will help diffuse tension.
- Reduce their ammunition - it may not be easy in the face of their criticism of your cooking/DIY skills but flatter or compliment them (even if you are being sarcastic) and watch them soften.
- Use distraction - if you’re being given a dressing down, keep looking at the person’s left ear. It will unnerve them and make them think something is wrong, especially if you start frowning.
- Turn it into a game - try some provocative banter to change the subject and deliberately get them embroiled in a debate about something else (politics is usually a good one).
- Be grateful - gratitude is a major source of happiness so find something to be grateful about on the day even if it is only another sweater or pair of socks.
- Outgunned - recognise when you’re faced with a superior force and if necessary make a tactical retreat to the garage or garden shed.
- Shelter - if you have no safe haven in which to shelter from the turkey, tinsel and tantrums – build one!
- If you have suitable weatherproof sheeting, a tepee design is easiest to erect. Take three or more support poles and tie them at the top where they cross to form a cone shape. Place the covering over the top, making sure you leave a small opening for ventilation. (Wider angles will give a greater area of protection but shed rain less easily).
John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman added: “Concentrate on your own behaviour which you can change, not your relatives' behaviour which you can't. When faced with a hostile enemy; stay calm, use distraction techniques and remember, they will go home eventually.
“The Winter Survival Guide I’ve helped to create with Halfords Autocentres shares some of the knowledge I have built up during 26 years with the Special Air Service and gives motorists the confidence to handle any situation they may encounter this winter.”
The Winter Survival Guide is free to download and contains 15 different chapters tackling scenarios involving rain, ice and snow - from avoiding a skid, to administering first aid and spending ‘quality time’ with family.
To read the Winter Survival Guide or download a free copy visit: www.halfordsautocentres.com. To watch the first accompanying film in Halfords Autocentre Survival Series visit: Winter Survival Guide Video.
ENDS
Media contact:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager
T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930
E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
James Dale, PR Coordinator
T: 01527 513315
Notes to Editors
Winter survey: Conducted among 2000 UK drivers during October 2013.
About Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres is a leading independent MOT, car service, repair and tyre garage network. We employ highly trained ATA accredited technicians and use the latest in vehicle diagnostic equipment in over 295 sites – which is expanding monthly - to deliver dealership quality work at affordable prices.
Being independent experts means that we are able to service, repair and maintain any make or model of car in line with the manufacturer’s standards, whilst offering a local price match promise and peace of mind in the form of a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out. (See website for terms and conditions)
The Halfords Autocentres name may be a recent addition to the Halfords Group, but our heritage spans more than three decades and we serve over 750,000 customers every year - with over 8 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.
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