Because of COVID-19, many of us are spending more time with our significant others. In difficult times, our relationships will be tested, and it’s important to do everything possible to love and support each other as couples. In this article, we will be providing some tips on coping as a couple during COVID-19.
Set Boundaries and Spend Quality Time Together
Couples don’t need to do everything together. In fact, according to professor of psychology at Monmouth University Gary Lewandowski, time apart can lead to a sense of missing that boosts a desire for commitment. Communicate your need for space with your spouse and focus more on quality time over quantity time.
Be Compassionate and Work Together
COVID-19 has made the world a stressful place. Don’t criticize your spouse for feeling stressed or frightened by the pandemic. Learn to emotionally regulate so that you can be there for your significant other and frame those feelings of worry and fear as something both of you will work as a team to overcome.
Don’t be Afraid to Argue
With COVID-19 wreaking havoc on our lives, it’s tempting to avoid creating more stress by getting into arguments with each other. However, it’s actually better to argue (Fighting Fair Article Link) about little issues as they arise and resolve them. Caving into our fear of conflict will only allow previously small issues to snowball into bigger problems and greater conflict.
Conclusion
A lot of couples are struggling to cope during the pandemic, and many relationships will suffer due to poor communication or other issues. However, that doesn’t have to be true for you and your spouse. Use this time you have together as an opportunity to strengthen your relationship.
References
Marriage Minute: The Gottman Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://view.mail.gottman.com/?qs=1947d8e9709bed9ac24aa59bb60d404774365d78d94fd0b2a0a007a264b728843b390d76bb49435beb91dffb65ffb23ee75f1eb3cafbec40883524c3393ac056217ef7f54ebbe4a0
Sloat, S. (2020, March 29). Psychologists answer 4 important questions for couples self-quarantining. Retrieved from https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/psychologists-answer-4-important-questions-for-couples-self-quarantining