With the Covid 19 pandemic lock down happening, malls and public areas are closed and social distancing is put in place. People are stuck at home not being able to go about their regular schedule day. This includes not being able to go out and see our loved ones that don’t live in the same house hold. Leaving us less distractions can put a toll on relationships with ourselves and our significant others. This is a type of situation that many of us haven’t experienced in our life time.
Effect on couples in the same house hold
The lock down is leaving individuals jobless or making workers work from home. Leaves more time spent with their significant other. Although this may sound great, this can also put an unwanted toll on their relationship. Relationship counsellor Tori Mudie says “ COVID 19 has put pressure on individuals in relationships that were having difficulties before the pandemic took place we are seeing couples confronted with these problems now as they are in isolation together.”
Although many people can say their relationship is perfect. Spending a lot of time with that special someone can bring up arguments and disagreements while being isolated. Many people aren’t use to staying home all week with no outside distractions. Bickering may be the only way to speed up time for some couples, but there are other things to fill up your cup.
Ways you can better your relationship is to maintain a healthy amount of alone time “this time could be used to find new ways to bring happiness to your life” said relationship counsellor Tori.
Maybe following up with a good book or movie or doing something with your significant other like yoga or a work out together. Finding activities both of you would enjoy together can fix that bickering that happens when you are stuck at home
Effect on long distant relationships
Many couples don’t live in the same house hold, leaving couples unable to physically see one another with social distancing in place. Many couples are used to going out on dates and seeing each other occasionally. But with everything closed they are forced to not be able to see each other beside on the screen.
Living in an era where interacting with people hasn’t been easier the best way to fill the void of not seeing that special someone is to hop on a call. Although easier said than done arguments and disagreements may surface and without having that physical connection it can be hard for couples to deal with problems.
Ways you can survive the lock down is to always keep your priorities straight” make the time throughout the day a priority and truly listen to your partner. Suspend judgement, tune in and keep an open mind” mentioned by relationship consoler.
Effects on the relationship within yourself
Many individuals depend on outside relationships and experiences as a source of happiness. This can be hard during the lock down time because it restricts us from the daily experiences we gain. Less distractions leave us to have more time to think and reminisce about situations. Therefore leaving many people sad and unhappy. People suffering with anxiety and depression find it harder to deal with mental illnesses while being stuck at home.
Best way to keep yourself busy is to find a hobby, watch movies, read a book and try to invest in yourself and have time to appreciate who they are as a person. You can do this my doing meditations and self-reflecting exercises.
You can also get on a call with your friends and set up group calls or watch a movie online with each other using several apps and websites like Netflix party.
The government is also recognizing the importance of mental health at this time. They are putting more funding into mental health and consoling support for people to access online. This is one of the best times to reach out for support having it at your fingertips with less things holding you back.
There are many resources you can find at this time that can help you deal with any situation you are going through
Effects on users using online dating apps
Giving us more free time and the lack of interacting with others outside. Online dating apps are getting many more downloads than usual. But with this to say users should be aware and safe while using social media apps.
Relationship consoler says “to have expectations of what you are looking for. To properly communicate what you are looking for while online dating”.
Having the right communication skills for any relationship is very important at this time and needs a lot of patients and care. To also recognize we are all going through this together and we should stay strong in any situation.
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