Love In Lockdown: 5 Tips To Help Your Relationship Survive!
For most people, the close-quarters living during the lockdown is undoubtedly causing strain. Tensions might be high for some spouses and some might already be at each other’s throats.
Instead of bickering while quarantined together, some couples are using this time at home to strengthen their relationship. Using this as a new opportunity to reconnect and to really get to know your loved one on a deeper level. So, the question is, how do we keep our relationships open and loving during a lockdown?
Scroll down for five tips to ensure your relationship survives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
#1 Practice Empathy, Be Understanding
Bickering more than usual? Arguments escalate and stay unresolved when we don’t feel understood or heard. Rather than evoking understanding, it causes our partners to become defensive and hostile.
Photo from Pinterest
Give each other space and some time to let the intensity subside and when there’s more internal calm, then address the issue together. It is not about being right, but more of about being understanding.
Try to put yourself "in their shoes" to understand their situation, perceptions and feelings from their point of view. And even in fraught moments, do your best to find empathy for your partner and treat them with kindness.
#2 Spend Some Alone Time
Photo from Pinterest
Take a breather and give each other space. Couples thrive when there’s a healthy balance between time spent together and time spent apart. However, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, creating separate spaces is now more difficult than ever. Still, it’s important to physically remove yourself from your partner for an hour or two each day.
Communication is essential for a healthy relationship, talk with your partner to coordinate the timing so each of you has your own "Me-time". Take your alone time to recharge yourself and remain relaxed.
#3 Listen & Communicate Better
Photo from Pinterest
We all know that communication is important in any relationship. But when you are together with your partner 24/7, good communication is even more vital. Assumptions are like a glass tinted wall that keeps you both on opposite sides and unable to see each other. Instead of assuming, ask your partner and clarify before jumping into conclusion.
Focus on listening without judgement, dismissal or evaluation. Stay open to their answers until the assumptions are dispelled. Learn to communicate better and improve the way you both communicate. You can maintain a good relationship during this period by responding to more thoughtfully and improve your tolerance.
If you want something, just ask for it directly. If you need some support, ask your partner to talk. If you need some help with house chores, ask from your partner to lend a helping hand. Passive aggression can be a thoroughly satisfying way to behave, but it doesn’t get you very far especially in a relationship under quarantine.
#4 Practice Appreciation, Be Extra Grateful
Photo from Pinterest
It sounds corny, but you should be thanking your partner more than usual right now. If your partner cooked, thank them. "Thank you for the dinner you cooked" - Expressing your gratitude can make your partner feel appreciated. Make a point to say please or thank you to each other, even for the littlest things.
None of us is born to be perfect partners. Hold yourself in check. When you feel like shouting or criticizing, take a deep breath and a step back. Count your blessings and practice gratitude. Remind yourself that your partner is doing their best amid the chaos, just as you are.
#5 Remember, No One Is Perfect
Photo from Pinterest
Has your partner been moodier than usual? On edge? Lethargic? If your partner’s behaviour has been unusual, give extra attention to their mood, and remember not to internalize it or read into it.
Check-in with your partner every day. It is useful to ask your partner questions like: "How is your day?" "How can I help you to go through this?" Listen to your partner and their experience with caring attention. These daily check-ins allow for a feeling of connection that can sustain your relationship.
Photo from Pinterest
It is time to support and develop a new understanding of each other. We are all stressed these days and have a responsibility to manage our behaviours, but no one is perfect. Remember that.
Weather the storm together, be kind and understanding to each other. Take this chance to deepen your relationship and focus more on listening, learning, laughing and loving each other to transform this stress/anxiety into strength.
While you are here, check out our posts on "8 Money Tips For Couples" and "7 Tips To Stay Healthy During The COVID-19 Pandemic"!
Share this post with your partner!?
Text by: GirlStyle SG
❣️ Follow us on Instagram girlstyle.sg❣️
