Love In The Time Of Coronavirus: How COVID19 is Making And Breaking Relationships

For most people, the age of the Coronavirus is the wildest thing that has ever happened in their lives. This worldwide virus pandemic is affecting every avenue of life, from toilet paper to relationships!

Loving in the time of COVID19 is a make or break moment for couples. There is stress to contend with, self-isolation, travel bans, and in some places, there are even lockdowns. 

This means you’re either being isolated with your partner 24/7 or, if you don’t live together, you’ll be separated for the next two weeks, if not more!

Either way, it can create some unique challenges for couples. That’s why we’re looking at the biggest reasons why COVID19 is making and breaking relationships and what you can do about it. You can also follow these tips by relationship experts to manage the ups and downs in your relationship.

You’re spending too much time together

If you’re practicing social distancing, are in a 14-day quarantine, or if you’re currently experiencing lockdown, the idea of being near your spouse may be a little daunting. Here are some ways you can cope:

Find new ways to make special date nights in

One of the reasons couples are having such a hard time with the coronavirus lockdowns is because of boredom. Combat this by finding new ways to have a date night inside or on your back porch. 

Have some wine and ask each other questions about life, play games together, have a candlelit dinner, or cook a meal, share a bubble bath, and, most importantly, make time for romance!

Let oxytocin do its thing

Sex is a great way to keep your emotional intimacy strong during all of this COVID-19 chaos. 

The cuddle hormone has been shown to promote bonding between partners and lower stress and anxiety, and if there was ever a time that married couples need to de-stress, it’s now!

Spend time apart

Just because you’re in quarantine with your partner doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time together.

Go into a different room of the house and practice self-care. Do things that you love to do, like read a book, watch YouTube, journal or write a story, play an instrument – do hobbies that you love, and that makes you feel good. 

These things make you happier, which makes you a better person for your partner or spouse to be around.

Being able to spend time alone doing your own thing is a key ingredient to a healthy relationship. Don’t think that just because you’re on lockdown that you can’t call a friend or spend time away from your spouse.

When you do, you’ll feel even more appreciative of your partner when you do come back together

You’ve been separated by the virus

If you and your spouse don’t live together or you are in a long-distance relationship, COVID19 may seem especially long for you. Here are some essential tips on how to survive the Coronavirus without your partner by your side.

Do not travel

If your partner lives far away or in another country, it can be heart-wrenching to think that you won’t get to see them for a while. But remember to do your part and listen to the government’s advice not to travel – even if your partner is only a few hours away.

Remember, this is for the health and safety of not just yourself but your loved ones as well.

Respect social distancing

Being separated from your spouse is depressing enough without all of this, pestilence added to it. You may be asking yourself, “Is life always going to be this way?” or “Will the panic and constant news stream about this virus ever end?”

The COVID-19 scare will end one day, but it will take time and action on our parts. That action is called social distancing.

The World Health Organization is giving actionable advice on the important role social distancing is to stop the spread of this virus. The sooner everybody participates, the sooner we can all get back to our normal lives.

If you do see your spouse during the COVID19 pandemic, make sure you’re spending time together alone. It’s tempting to go out to bars, restaurants, or shows (if there are any left still playing), but it’s so important to respect WHO’s call for social distancing right now.

Find ways to date online

Just because you’re separated by distance doesn’t mean you have to go through the coronavirus scare alone!

Talk to your spouse daily by phone or video chat and keep the lines of communication open.

You can also have fun and cool dates nights online by watching the same movie, reading the same book, planning a vacation/your next visit when this is all over, sing karaoke, make the same dinner together, and the list goes on.

Send each other little surprises

A little surprise gift can go a long way. Whether it’s flowers, a meal from their favorite restaurant, or a small personalized gift, everyone loves getting a special delivery.

And in times of isolation, a physical gift when you can’t be there in person is a great way to make your feelings and presence felt. It doesn’t have to be expensive– it’s the thought that counts! Even a sweet card can do the trick.

You’re letting stress and fear take over

Another way the Coronavirus is making or breaking relationships is by letting the fear and panic take over your happiness. If you feel that you’re starting to obsess over the pandemic, here are a couple of things you can do:

Talk about your feelings

Communicating with your partner is essential for keeping the love alive and not losing your mind during this scary time.

Do a social media shutdown. It’s great to be informed, but spending too much time on social media can contribute to depression. Be sure to take a few hours (or days) away from your socials every once in a while.

Don’t alienate yourselves from the ones you love

Just because you shouldn’t leave the house doesn’t mean you can’t still talk to your loved ones. Keep in touch regularly through text, phone calls, or video chats to remain connected.

Living and loving in the time of the Coronavirus can be scary and stressful at times, but remember that this is not permanent. One day this will all be a distant memory – but your love doesn’t have to be!

Follow the advice from WHO on staying clean and healthy, and by letting oxytocin bond you and your partner, through this trial you’ll ensure your relationship comes out alright on the other side of all this madness!