A year after the announcement of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is time to look back at much our lives have changed. The “new normal” has had an impact on everything – work, education, travel, social life.
One of the most significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is on partnerships. COVID-19 has created an environment that has changed and strained the dynamics in many relationships. Yet these connections are needed more than ever because of the support they bring.
THE CHALLENGES FOR COUPLES
Social distance as a proven strategy to reduce morbidity forced us to stay at home. On the one hand, the time spent with the partner gives a sense of security and stability. On the other hand, the lack of some independence (for example during the working day) destroys the relationship.
Uncertainty about work, finances, children’s education, fear of possible infection play the role of stressors. All this plus the change in the daily routine of the partners leads to tension and conflicts. Conflicts, on the other hand, affect the intimacy of the relationship, including both physical and emotional intimacy. Therefore, our own feelings about the unusual situation we are in could affect our relationships with others.
HOW CAN PARTNERS HELP EACH OTHER?
Disagreements in your family caused by the coronavirus do not mean that your relationship should end. On the contrary – now is the perfect time to strengthen your relationship and learn to deal with difficulties together.
One of the most important moments in overcoming the crisis is communication. It is perfectly normal to be anxious about the changes this pandemic has brought which causes you to act in a rather short-tempered way. However, don’t expect that your partner will guess how you feel. Instead, talk about your feelings and needs and how you would like to help each other. These conversations can bring you two closer. Furthermore, your partner won’t feel as if they did something to hurt you.
On the other hand, you must not forget that your partner is also experiencing the “new normal” in their own way. That’s why some emotion control is needed. This means staying calm and taking a moment to think in a situation where you would otherwise start a fight. For example, instead of making a scene every time your partner forgets to buy something from the store, think about how your behavior would affect the future of the relationship. Emotion control helps couples to make adequate decisions without unnecessary drama and conflict, which increases the satisfaction of being together.
Last but not least, try to make the most of all this time spent at home. Now is the time for spring cleaning or training or learning something new together. Restaurants and shops may not work, but there are other ways to pamper each other, for example with a fancy dinner.
As hopeless as the Covid-19 situation may seem to us, we must not forget that this will pass and soon we’ll be back to our normal routines.