Relationships are being tested during these difficult times and the thereat of Covid-19. Couples who live together maybe spending more time in each others company than they are used to, and with the extra stress created by the unusual experiences, the relationship may experience elevated levels of stress and conflict.
To help with this there is a number of things you can try.
Make sure you both have your own space and time. Talk together about this and see what both of you can do to create this. Go for a walk on your own, go to a different place in the home and read or listen to music, engage in a hobby you can do at home. If you have children, try and work at not letting them invade your ‘me time’ if possible.
Keep the relationship fresh. When possible, order in a take-away, dress up and have a meal at the table. Light some candles, put on some music and enjoy being in the moment.
Discover something you can do together. A Jigsaw puzzle, Scrabble, a Crosswords, or on-line Quizzes.
Spend a couple of 15 minutes a week talking about how you feel. Your worries and thoughts. Don’t make this a conversation about blame, but let your partner into your inner world. This will help you stay connected.
Have some creative and fun times.This might be with your children, or on-line with friends. Laughing is a good way of counteracting the stress of the moment.
Use a few quite moments to reflect. What are you learning about yourself in these times. How can you grow as a person and make the relationship healthy and positive. Use the unusual times we’re in as way of reviewing life.