Is Covid-19 Crashing Your Relationship?

For the past couple months, many of us have found ourselves suddenly thrown into sharing life 24/7 with our significant other.  That can put quite a strain on even a great relationship. And combining it with the anxiety and stress around the coronavirus pandemic has added a whole new level of relationship challenges.  It’s discord between you and someone you truly care about that is unpleasant, and quite unexpected.

Have you said some things you regret?  Has your patience been stretched to the breaking point?  Are there moments you’d very much like to erase and have a chance to do over?  Here’s some suggestions on healing those covid-19 relationship wounds.

Take a Personal Time Out

For those who have never spent virtually their entire 24 hour day, days on end, with their spouse, recent times have been especially challenging.  If you’ve forgotten the value of some alone time, it’s time to claim some.

Even if you’ve been ordered to shelter in place, there are still ways to create a space for some quiet introspection.  Try:

• Taking an extra-long shower or bath.  Seriously. What’s the hurry?
• Finding a quiet corner, room, patio, or even closet and just be alone with your thoughts.
• Work on that hobby that forces you to focus on just it, and you.

If you’re in a place where at least some outside, socially-distanced activity is allowed, go to a nearby park.  Take a walk in nature.  Or just sit on the lawn and appreciate nature, and that spouse you’re frustrated with right now.

Seek Some Professional Help

Hey, these have been very, very challenging times.  If you’ve found yourself and your relationship drifting in a direction you don’t really want, it’s very okay to seek professional help.  Know that you’re not alone.  One of the concerns of medical professionals is the emotional strain that dealing with the pandemic is causing.

Fortunately, there are plenty of places to find help.  If you still have insurance, use your counseling benefit and put in a few sessions to get you and your relationship back on track.  Even if you’re one of the millions who have lost their insurance, or never had it to begin with, you can find free online marriage counseling.   If you’re not ready to talk about it just yet, at least find a good reference book to help you clear up those muddied thoughts.

Remember:  Forgive and Be Grateful

Yes, remember.  Remember that the person you’re challenged with right now is the same person you fell in love with.  Remember the good moments, let yourself smile and relive them.  None of us is perfect, by any measure.  So be willing to forgive the things that were said out of anger or frustration.  Then, take a breath.  A deep breath.  And look around yourself at all that you still have to be grateful for.  Every one of us, if we’re still here, have much to be thankful for.