From Ukraine to Gaza
Research, and the predictable human nature, has suggested that when couples are forced to stay home together, nine months later there’s a boost in births. What else are they supposed to do?
Research also shows that when couples are forced to be at home for extended periods of time together, divorce rates tend to rise, like in January after couples spend the holidays together.
If one prefers to talk out all the risks and logistics, and another is just trying to keep a sense of calm and a daily routine, there’s a lot of room for arguments. Tell each other what you need and why.
Cooking at home and eating your meals together is a great way to build upon your bonds and do something that you both can enjoy.
This is the biggest problem in most relationships even outside of quarantine, but now it’s even more important. If something they’re doing is bothering you, tell them and work through it. Don’t let it fester.
If you’re a thermos, you can’t really tell the temperature inside from the outside, whereas a mood ring lays it all bare. Explaining this can avoid the “you’re underreacting vs you’re overreacting” argument.
Many people in quarantine will be working remotely, so make sure you’re both respecting your work hours, finding a schedule that works for you both, and not imposing extra tasks just because that person is home.
Since this quarantine and coronavirus is new ground, when you have different ideas about strategies and coping styles, you both could be right and you also have no idea who’s right.
Finances are one of the leading causes of divorce, and as coronavirus hits economies hard, make sure you map out a plan and have some solidarity on the matter.
Make sure you’re both taking equal responsibility for them and keeping them entertained, because quarantine will exacerbate any existing feelings about who’s doing more work.
When you’re bored, you’re much more likely to pick petty fights and get annoyed. Make sure you have cards and distractions around that can act like a pacifier.
Designate certain times for quiet, for board games, for music, and whatever else, to help you both be more in sync with each other.
It’s easy to be irritable and snarky, and even if you can’t avoid it, at least learn to apologize. There are few things you can control in quarantine, but your kindness is one of them.
Chores are another thing couples fight about, especially when there’s a long to-do list of them. Declutter and clean together, and post-quarantine you will be happy you did.
When you’re both experiencing the same dread about the current situation, it can be easy to forget that you should still comfort each other.
With the stress of a potentially life-threatening illness, and being cooped up for days with no definite end, there’s a lot of anger, frustration, sadness, and anxiety.
One of the best ways to get through a stressful situation is to imagine talking about it in a year, or even five, as you’ll look at your time now with a different perspective and you’ll make the story better.
While you won’t have access to many of your previous coping methods, like going for a walk, you can discover new forms, either together or independently, like breathing exercises, yoga, drawing, listening to music, reading a book, or just pacing around the room!
Remember a time when you would’ve loved to be locked in a room with this person? This might not be the most romantic of circumstances, but go into it with the same goals of getting to know the person on a deeper level.
As the second round of lockdowns are kicking in, many couples around the world are gearing up for another challenging time spent stuck in close quarters for weeks with little access to the outside world.
These quarantined times have shown to intensify emotions and outcomes, which have led to both a baby boom and higher divorce rates.
Looking to avoid a similar fate? Click through for some helpful tips on how to stay united in this time of isolation.
How to survive lockdown as a couple
With the second round of lockdowns being announced, here's how to avoid breaking up
LIFESTYLE Relationships
As the second round of lockdowns are kicking in, many couples around the world are gearing up for another challenging time spent stuck in close quarters for weeks with little access to the outside world.
These quarantined times have shown to intensify emotions and outcomes, which have led to both a baby boom and higher divorce rates.
Looking to avoid a similar fate? Click through for some helpful tips on how to stay united in this time of isolation.